RTO 91296

Peer Leadership

Foster new and existing peer leadership skills and knowledge and connect with other peer leaders across NSW. 

Course overview

Peer Leadership is a course delivered by Mental Health Coordinating Council (RTO 91296) for mental health peer work leaders intended to contribute to the ongoing development of the peer workforce and mental health sector. The course aims to foster new skills and knowledge for application in the workplace, further develop peer leadership opportunities, recognise and formalise existing skills and knowledge, and connect you with other peer leaders across NSW.

Duration

The duration of the Peer Leadership full-time course is six months. This includes 24 hours of virtual classroom time and supported self-paced learning and assessments. Students should allow for 15-20 hours of study per week. Time to complete this course may vary depending on individual experience and support needs.

Course delivery

• Introduction webinar (1 hour) to meet the Trainer and learn about what to expect from the course
• 6 x 4-hour webinars (24 hours in total)
• Content for each module will be accessed through MHCC’s online learning system
• Assessments for each module are submitted to MHCC’s online learning system on a predetermined assessment schedule, provided to each student at the commencement of learning
• Students will be required to undertake a variety of assessments

Units of competency

Successful completion of the Peer Leadership course will result in four units of competency:

Learning outcomes

Throughout the course, students learn and explore:

• definitions and applications of peer leadership
• challenges of peer leaders working in various organisational/leadership environments
• tools for navigating and leading as a peer worker in an emerging workforce
• how to mentor other Peer Workers and Peer Leaders
• how to create and advocate for organisational and culture change within scope of role
• how to lead in sustainable and peer-connected ways

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that provide an advantage in the job market:

• four nationally recognised units of competency at Certificate IV and Diploma levels
• the skills to contribute to the continued advancement and sustainability of the mental health peer workforce and the wellbeing and recovery of a diverse range of people
• a sound understanding of peer leadership approaches, mentoring pathways, and organisational and systemic advocacy
• strong pathways to continued studies to enhance your career

Career pathways

Our graduates from this course go on to work in roles such as:

• Senior Mental Health peer Worker (Consumer or Carer)
• Senior Peer Worker (Alcohol and Other Drugs, Suicide Prevention)
• Peer Manager
• Peer Specialist

Is this course right for you?

Eligibility

The Peer Leadership course is for the following groups of individuals who have at least two years’ mental health peer work-related experience (paid or unpaid):

• Mental Health Peer Workers working in a designated leadership or senior role as a consumer peer worker or carer peer worker in the mental health sector
• Mental Health Peer Workers who are identified as leaders/emerging leaders by their peers (i.e. leaders not in a paid or designated peer leadership role)
• established/experienced Mental Health Peer Workers/leaders who would like to gain the skillset as vocational recognition for their existing skills and knowledge

You must also meet the following criteria:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a holder of a permanent residence visa, or a migrant, refugee or asylum seeker holding a temporary or bridging visa
  providing work and/or study rights
• no longer be in school, in accordance with the relevant State’s school leaving requirements
• not be in receipt of another Commonwealth or State/Territory bursary or scholarship
• be able to meet the attendance and study requirements to complete the course

Entry requirements

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

• Empathy, patience and the desire to empower others
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in groups

Important information

This qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that may be distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and recovery journey (including any potential triggers) when participating in this qualification and in any future employment in this field.

Further study pathways

• BSBSS00097 – Innovation Leadership Skill Set
• CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
• BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
• CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
• CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
• CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
• BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management
• CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
• BSB60420 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management

Learning and Support Services

MHCC employs team of Student Support Officers to support learners through the full student journey (from enquiry through to completion). This support can be accessed by phone or email.

Students can access support through the online learning system. This system gives access to:

• Discussion boards with other students
• Email access to trainers or assessors
• Live chat with MHCC support staff

MHCC can provide some support and reasonable adjustments or students with identified Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) and employability skills needs, however appropriate referrals are recommended for those requiring additional LLND and employability skills assistance. Information is supplied in Learner Handbook and given verbally by student support staff.

To support the range of potential physical and mental health challenges that students may encounter, MHCC provides flexibility in attendance and completion, including, but not limited to:

• Extensions
• Transfers to other programs (if available)
• Deferrals
• Refunds on withdrawals under specified terms

MHCC provides tailored support services. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies:

• Learning needs support
• Disability support including reasonable adjustments
• Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
• Culturally specific and safe support services
• Careers and pathways support
• Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your skills
• Learning resources to use while studying on campus and at home
• Study and assessment workshops
• Student associations – get connected with our learner community

Further information on how to access these can be found in the Learner Handbook. Visit our Student Hub for information on MHCC’s RTO policies and procedures.

Environment, facilities and location

Courses are delivered online and face to face in various venues across NSW.

All learners are required to have access to a computer or device along with stable internet connection to access the online learning system and attend any online classes and support sessions.

All other resources, materials, and templates needed are provided during the course of study.

All learners in this qualification will need to have access to a suitable work placement approved by MHCC in either a paid or voluntary peer work role.