Diploma of Mental Health

Program Overview

The Diploma of Mental Health from Melbourne City Institute of Education is a blended program that prepares individuals for roles as mental health support workers. It combines in-person sessions with online learning, emphasizing a trauma-informed approach, cultural safety, and diversity. The program includes 15 core units and 5 elective units, with assessment through written assignments, practical demonstrations, and work placement performance. Graduates are eligible for various career paths within the mental health sector, including Community Rehabilitation Worker and Mental Health Support Worker.

Program Outline

Diploma of Mental Health - Melbourne City Institute of Education

Degree Overview:

• Objective: This program prepares individuals for work as mental health support workers in various settings such as medical imaging, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and other allied health contexts.
• Description: This blended training program combines in-person sessions with remote learning via Microsoft Teams.
Participants gain the knowledge and skills to assist people with mental health concerns, promote recovery, and advocate for their needs. The program emphasizes a trauma-informed approach and focuses on cultural safety and diversity.

Outline:

• Duration: 52 weeks (including 160 hours of work placement)
• Delivery: Blended (in-person and online via Microsoft Teams)
• Units:
• 15 core units (e.g., managing work health and safety, working with diverse people, promoting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety, providing recovery-oriented mental health services)
• 5 elective units (e.g., working legally and ethically, increasing the safety of individuals at risk of suicide, assisting clients with medication, facilitating the recovery process)

Assessment:

• Assessment methods:
• A combination of written assessments, practical demonstrations, and work placement performance.
• Assessment criteria:
• Demonstrating knowledge and skills in accordance with the unit learning outcomes.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• Interactive lectures, workshops, group activities, case studies, and work placement supervision.
• Faculty: Experienced and qualified trainers with expertise in mental health and related fields.
• Unique approaches: The program incorporates a trauma-informed approach, emphasizes cultural safety and diversity, and utilizes online learning platforms.

Careers:

• Job prospects:
• Community Rehabilitation Worker
• Welfare Support Worker
• Community Support Worker
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Mental Health Outreach Worker
• Career pathways:
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Available for individuals with relevant experience or qualifications.