New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services)

Program Overview

The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) with a strand in Mental Health and Addiction Support is a one-year program that provides entry-level skills for supporting individuals with mental health and addiction issues. It emphasizes practical application through 200 hours of work experience, self-awareness development, and a culturally responsive approach. Graduates can pursue careers in various health and wellbeing fields, including disability support, mental health support, and community development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Name: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) with strand in Mental Health and Addiction Support
• Level: 4
• Locations: UCOL Manawatu in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton
• Duration: 1 Year full-time (41 weeks) / Part-time option available
• Dates: 26 Feb 2024 - 06 December 2024 (All locations)
• Domestic Fees: $6,231.00
• Objectives:
• Develop knowledge and skills to support people with mental health and addiction issues.
• Learn to build respectful relationships with people in a mental health and addiction setting.
• Apply values, knowledge and skills that foster hope and build resilience.
• Program Description:
• Entry-level qualification for a career in the health and wellbeing sector.
• Focuses on supporting people with mental health and addiction issues.
• Covers topics such as building respectful relationships, understanding mental health and addiction, self-awareness, and professional development.
• Includes 200 hours of work experience.

Outline:

• Program Structure:
• 120 credits total.
• Consists of 6 modules:
• Respectful Relationships (30 Credits)
• Bi-Culturalism and Marae Protocols (15 Credits)
• Role Clarification (15 Credits)
• Self Awareness (30 Credits)
• Professional Development (30 Credits)
• Each module includes lectures, tutorials, work experience, and independent study.
• Course Schedule:
• 9.5 hours of class time per week (lectures, tutorials, online recordings)
• 10 hours of work time per week (work experience, internship, practicum)
• 17.5 hours of study time per week (independent study)
• Modules:
• Respectful Relationships (30 Credits):
• Covers listening skills, respectful relationships, consent processes, needs of children, Pasifika cultural values, and Falefono and Whare Tapawha models of health and wellbeing.
• Includes 50 hours of work experience.
• Bi-Culturalism and Marae Protocols (15 Credits):
• Explores the history of Māori as Tangata Whenua and the importance of person-whanau interconnectedness in a health and wellbeing setting.
• Includes 25 hours of work experience.
• Role Clarification (15 Credits):
• Examines the purpose and impact of a support worker's role in the wider health and wellbeing sector.
• Covers biological, psychological, sociological, holistic, and alternative approaches to mental health and addiction.
• Includes 25 hours of work experience.
• Self Awareness (30 Credits):
• Focuses on developing self-awareness through reflective practice to build resilience in individuals and families.
• Covers theory and practice of self-awareness, personal risk identification and management, reflective journaling, self-care strategies, and theories of resilience building.
• Includes 50 hours of work experience.
• Professional Development (30 Credits):
• Develops skills to promote a culture of professionalism, safety, and quality in a mental health and addiction setting.
• Includes 50 hours of work experience.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Work experience reports
• Exams (if applicable)
• Assessment Criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding of course content
• Application of knowledge and skills in practical settings
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Professionalism and ethical conduct

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Group discussions
• Case studies
• Simulation exercises
• Work experience placements
• Faculty:
• Experienced and qualified lecturers with expertise in mental health and addiction support.
• Unique Approaches:
• Strong emphasis on practical application of knowledge and skills through work experience.
• Focus on developing self-awareness and reflective practice.
• Culturally responsive teaching approach.

Careers:

• Career Options:
• Disability support
• Diversional therapy
• Housing and budget support
• Tariki ora support
• Field officer
• Health and wellbeing coach
• Community health worker
• Mental health and addiction support
• Social justice advocate
• Refugee support
• Community development

Other:

• Entry Requirements:
• Domestic: NCEA level 2 or equivalent.
• International: NCEA level 2 or equivalent and IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL).
• Work Experience:
• 200 hours of work experience required.
• UCOL can assist with finding work placements.
• Convictions may affect placement opportunities.
• Learning Resources:
• Required and recommended reading materials will be provided by the lecturer at the beginning of the semester.
• Access to online databases and the internet.
• Recognition of Prior Learning:
• Students can apply for recognition of prior learning, including cross credit, credit transfer, and assessment of prior learning.
• Accreditation:
• The program is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
• The program is being reviewed to align with the needs of the industry.
• UCOL is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.