Spectrum Training

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

The Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work has been developed and supports a nationally recognised qualification for peer workers to help facilitate recognition and broader engagement of peer workers throughout the mental health sector. As a Mental Health Peer Worker you are employed in a job where you can empower groups in your community. This role is a rewarding job and a great way to give back to your community by making a difference in people’s everyday lives. The development of the qualification has involved a rigorous process with input from technical and advisory groups including peer workers and people with a lived experience.

To enrol in this qualification, it is essential that you identify as either a person with lived experience of mental illness and/or a carer supporting others affected by a mental health condition.

By undertaking this training, you will be provided with a foundation to recovery oriented practice through experiential activities, reflections and completion of workbooks and assessment items. Recovery oriented practice training involves participatory learning, which incorporates the concepts, principles and philosophical framework of recovery-oriented community and mental health practice. The training is delivered through a combination of face to face workshops, using self-paced learner resources and activities, and recognition of prior learning (including individualized training plans that incorporate robust reasonable adjustment).

This qualification reflects the role of workers who have lived experience of mental illness as either a consumer or carer and who work in mental health services in roles that support consumer peers or carer peers. Workers are employed in the mental health sector in government, public, private or community managed services.