Unitec Institute of Technology

National Certificate in Mental Health (Mental Health Support Work)

Programme summary

Career opportunities

Courses & timetables

Admission requirements

[CertMHSW]

Programme summary

Develop the skills to become a safe and effective mental health support worker, and gain a basic understanding of mental health issues. Learn from staff who have worked, or are currently working, in the mental health sector themselves.

Are you working in mental health or would you like to? The National Certificate in Mental Health (Mental Health Support Work) is designed for newcomers to the field of mental health, as well as for those who are presently working in mental health. Students often come from non-governmental organisations, forensic settings, kaupapa Maori services, Pacific Island services, recreation and rehabilitation services, and in-patient settings. Some students may have also experienced their own mental health issues or supported family/friends through mental illness.

The certificate covers the knowledge and skills that enable you to practise safely and professionally as a mental health support worker. You’ll gain a basic understanding of mental health, wellness and recovery. Mental health support workers assist and encourage people in practical, everyday ways to improve their quality of life. The consumers you’ll be supporting are adults (between the ages of 16 to 65) who have a personal experience of mental illness such as depression, anxiety or psychosis.

Highlights

• Supported by services in the mental health field. You’ll learn what is up-to-date and relevant to your career.
• A national competency-based qualification that has a strong alliance with Industry Training Organisation Careerforce.
• Work placement as part of your study: all students need to attend a mental health setting for 16 hours per week (or equivalent block course hours). We can find placements for students not currently working in mental health.  For students already working in mental health, placement hours are usually covered by your normal working week.
• Lecturers who have a broad range of clinical and teaching experience in the mental health sector as well as involvement in service development and professional supervision.
• Focus on effective communication skills to enhance your relationships with consumers, families and community networks.
• Opportunities to learn more about yourself and others, by looking at different cultures, values and attitudes.