Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs Online

The CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs Online would suit those want to help others in your community improve their lives and enjoy a rewarding career, consider studying the CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs Online. The Australian Government is putting more resources into this area and the number of professionals required to work in this field is expected to increase three-fold over the next decade.

This online qualification ensures you have the necessary skills and knowledge to help those who are addicted to alcohol and drugs. The online course covers aspects of Alcohol and Other Drugs intervention and strategies, referral, education and health promotion programs, supporting clients through the recovery process, and managing client relationships. Careers include roles as an Alcohol and Drugs Case Worker, Community Support Worker, Outreach Worker or Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker.

What will you learn online?

You will learn how to provide services to clients with alcohol and other drugs issues. This includes; counselling, referral and promotion services.

Additionally, this online course will teach you to communicate well with individuals addicted to drugs and alcohol and to assess their needs and develop programs to help them. You will cover aspects of alcohol and drug intervention and strategies, referral, education and health promotion programs, supporting clients through the recovery process, and managing client relationships.

Possible career opportunities

• Case Worker
• Community Support Worker
• Drug and Alcohol Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Support Worker
• Counsellor

If you want to help others in your community improve their lives and enjoy a rewarding career, you should consider studying the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs online. Alcohol and drugs dependency is a significant social problem and counsellors are in high demand. This online qualification will give you the skills and knowledge so you can help others to break the dependency cycle. With fully self-funded options available, this is your opportunity to get on the right track to a rewarding career and brighter future!

The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs Online is a nationally recognised qualification that will help you to communicate well with individuals and are able to assess their needs and develop programs to help those who are addicted to alcohol and drugs. Through completing this online course, you will cover aspects of alcohol and other drugs intervention, strategies, referral, education and health promotion programs, supporting clients through the recovery process, and managing client relationships. This is a challenging and rewarding line of work for those who have a passion for helping others. Careers include working as a Counsellor, Service Coordinator, or Support Worker.

Student entry requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have completed their education to a level which is equivalent to an Australian Senior High School Year 12 or has completed an AQF Certificate IV in Alcohol & Other Drugs.
• Have suitable language, literacy and numeracy skills to read and comprehend learning materials and perform tasks related to recording workplace documents including reading and writing detailed reports, case notes, reports and other documents, interpreting workplace policy and procedure and reporting hazards. Learners are required to pass an online LLN assessment test.
• Have sound computer skills to navigate simple software to complete the online component of this course and must be able to use intermediate level Word features in order produce and present word-processed documents/ reports.
• Have access to a laptop and internet to complete this online course.
• These entry requirements will be confirmed through information collected on the enrolment form and during the enrolment interview.

How will you learn online?

This is a online blended delivery model which incorporates Trainer led synchronous online zoom classroom sessions for 3 hours per week in the evening, a monthly one-hour one-on-one mentoring session with your trainer (zoom, phone)
plus you will need to complete 22 hours per week undertaking structured self-paced study.

All online learning and assessment materials are accessed via the Learners online portal. You will have the support of a trainer/assessor throughout your online studies.

Enquire about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) options if you are in the industry.

Complimentary Services and Career Guidance

Students studying this course online will gain career guidance from Hader Institute of Education and the Hader Clinic to help you prepare for your career.

To successfully achieve the CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs Online you must complete a total of 22 units including 16 core units and six elective units.

Core Units
CHCADV005: Provide systems advocacy services
CHCAOD001: Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
CHCAOD004: Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCAOD006: Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCAOD007: Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management
CHCAOD008: Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues
CHCAOD009: Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans
CHCCCS004: Assess co-existing needs
CHCCOM006: Establish and manage client relationships
CHCDIV001: Work with diverse people
CHCMHS005: Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS007: Work effectively in trauma informed care
CHCPOL003: Research and apply evidence to practice
CHCPRP002: Collaborate in professional practice
CHCPRP003: Reflect on and improve own professional practice
HLTAID003: Provide first aid (need to have completed unit previously, and provide valid First Aid Certificate from another provider)

Electives
CHCDFV006: Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence
CHCDIV002: Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCMHS009: Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
CHCMHS011: Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
CHCPRP001: Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
HLTWHS006: Manage personal stressors in the work environment

Course Unit Descriptions

CHCADV005 - Provide systems advocacy services

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and monitor systems advocacy strategies to promote the interests of people with diverse needs. It has to do with providing the right systems advocacy services for people in need of them.

It covers identifying opportunities for systems advocacy, developing and implementing strategies in consultation with relevant stakeholders, evaluating the effectiveness of systems advocacy and promoting participation in systems advocacy.

CHCAOD001 - Work in an alcohol and other drugs context

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work in an alcohol and other drugs context. It covers identifying clients with AOD issues, working with clients who have AOD issues, and referral of clients with AOD issues.

This unit applies to workers who provide direct alcohol and other drugs services to clients. They work under general supervision and may have responsibility for leading other workers.

CHCAOD004 - Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct an assessment of clients with alcohol and other drug issues in order to develop case plans and coordinate service provision.

It applies to workers who conduct holistic assessments of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues and develop case plans in consultation with the client.

The skills in this unit must be applied within jurisdictional alcohol and other drugs legislation, policies and guidelines.

CHCAOD006 Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with clients to provide alcohol and other drugs interventions.

It involves identifying client goals, strengths and protective factors, developing and implementing intervention plans, monitoring the effects of interventions, evaluating outcomes and modifying interventions as required.

This unit applies to workers who provide alcohol and other drug services in a range of settings. They work under general direction and take responsibility for their own outputs.

CHCAOD007 Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and monitor strategies for minimising harm associated with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use and preventing and managing relapses.

It applies to workers in a range of settings who provide services to clients with AOD-related problems. They work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own outputs.

CHCAOD008 Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide advanced interventions, in accordance with agreed organisational guidelines, to clients with alcohol and other drug issues.

This unit applies to workers who provide services to clients with alcohol and other drug issues in a range of settings, including specialist alcohol and other drug services, mental health services, primary health care services and community services.

Workers at this level will have a high degree of specialised knowledge and skills in alcohol and other drug work and be able to provide leadership and support to others.

CHCAOD009 Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and review alcohol and other drugs (AOD) treatment plans in consultation with clients, carers and other health professionals.

It applies to workers who provide support and direct client services in AOD treatment settings.

This unit requires workers to exercise judgement in relation to selecting equipment, resources and techniques for themselves and others and to manage the activity.

Workers must be able to identify client problems and implement responses that are defined by legislation, organisational policy and protocols.

CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather information from clients, carers and other professionals to assess co-existing needs and refer on for specialist assessment and/or intervention.

It applies to workers who provide support and case management services to clients who have alcohol and other drug issues in a range of settings.

This unit is appropriate for those working under generalist alcohol and other drugs, mental health and community services programs.

CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish and manage client relationships in order to achieve agreed work objectives.

This unit applies to workers who carry out work in a range of community services contexts. They work under general direction and take responsibility for their own outputs.

CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively with people from diverse social groups and communities.

It applies to workers in a range of community contexts who work with diverse people.

They use communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships, promote inclusion and respect for diversity, and facilitate the participation of diverse people in community life.

CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues.

It applies to workers who provide services to people with mental health and alcohol and other drug issues in a range of settings, including case management, counselling, day programs and residential rehabilitation.

Workers at this level work under broad supervision and may provide leadership and guidance to other workers. They may also be required to liaise with a range of other professionals.

CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma-informed care

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively within a trauma-informed care framework.

It applies to workers who support people who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing trauma.

The unit incorporates the application of ethical and safe practice in line with organisational policies, procedures and protocols.

Workers will be expected to demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem-solving and working with others.

CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, access and use evidence to inform alcohol and other drugs (AOD) work practice.

It applies to workers who have responsibility for conducting research and applying evidence to their own work practice in the AOD sector.

By the end of this unit, you will be able to access and use evidence to inform AOD practice, critically analyse evidence, and reflect on and apply research findings to your own work practice.

CHCPRP002 Collaborate in professional practice

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop, maintain and enhance professional networks and collaborative relationships.

It applies to workers who are interested in developing or consolidating their collaborative networks and relationships with others in the alcohol and other drugs sector.

The unit also applies to workers who work under broad direction and take responsibility for own outputs.

CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to reflect on and improve own professional practice in community work.

It requires the ability to analyse practice issues, including power relations and ethical considerations, and to develop and implement strategies to improve practice.

This unit applies to community workers who have day-to-day responsibility for their own work practice and who may be required to provide leadership and guidance to other workers.

HLTAID011 Provide first aid (Learners will need to complete unit externally and provide a valid First Aid certificate for a credit transfer prior to completion of course)

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide first aid in an education and care setting.

This unit applies to educators who work in all education and care settings.

They may be required to provide first aid, emergency life support or manage minor and major injuries and illnesses in children.

If you complete this Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs, you will gain the skills to:

- Understand addiction and its causes

- Work with clients with alcohol and other drug problems

- Implement interventions with clients

- Provide support to families and carers of clients with AOD problems

- Plan and coordinate services

Electives

CHCDFV006 - Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use counselling and facilitation skills to explore client issues and identify possible options by providing a safe and supportive environment. It includes encouraging clients to be actively involved in seeking their own solutions.

This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues associated with domestic and family violence within established policies, procedures and guidelines.

CHCDIV002 - Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

Course Details

The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety.

This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.

CHCMHS009 - Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and conduct early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs focussing on mental health and wellbeing.

This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.

CHCMHS011 - Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with individuals to assess, promote and review all aspects of wellbeing.

This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.

CHCPRP001 - Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify networking and collaboration needs and develop formal and informal partnerships to enhance service delivery and improve professional practice.

This unit applies to work in all industry sectors, and to individuals who take pro-active responsibility for improving collaboration between workers and organisations.

HLTWHS006 - Manage personal stressors in the work environment

Course Details

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress.

This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.

What career could I have?

The Australian Government has pledged to fund more programs to help those who have alcohol and drug related issues and over the next ten years this will lead to an increase in support staff and counsellors in this area. Around 50,000 people are employed in this sector and this is expected to grow significantly over the next few years.

Possible careers include:

• Social Worker
• Alcohol and Drugs Advisor
• Support Worker
• Mental Health Worker
• Welfare Coordinator
• Dual Diagnosis Practitioner
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation Worker
• Refugee Liaison Officer
• Mental Health Worker

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs - FAQs

What is the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs?

The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs is a nationally-recognised qualification that will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work as an alcohol and other drugs counsellor. The Diploma is delivered entirely online, and you will have the flexibility to study at your own pace and in your own time.

What will I learn in Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs?

The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work in community services as well as a counsellor for people struggling addiction and co existing mental health issues. You will also learn how to review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plants, evaluate your own professional practice, and.  

Is the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs right for me?

The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs is ideal if you have previous experience working in the alcohol and other drugs field or if you have a passion for helping others to overcome addiction as well as drug relapse prevention.

The Diploma will provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to work as an alcohol and other drugs counsellor and will allow you to work with clients to develop individualised treatment plans.

Can I work in community services with the diploma of alcohol and other drugs?

Yes, the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs qualifies you for work in community services. Community services work with people affected by alcohol and other drug use to provide support and assistance.  You may be employed in a range of roles, including case management, program coordination, and service delivery.

What career opportunities are available after the diploma of alcohol and other drugs?

There are many career opportunities available after completing the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs. You may choose to work as a counsellor in an alcohol and other drug treatment centre, or you may choose to work with clients on a one-to-one basis. You may also choose to work in community services, developing drug prevention programmes and working with at-risk groups.

How long will it take me to complete the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs?

The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs can be completed in as little as 12 months.