RPL & Upskilling

Recognition of Prior Learning & Upskilling

During the mid 1990’s, competitive tendering required government funded organisations to comply with minimum standards. Government and peak body organisations have now developed a best practice framework for the substance abuse industry to ensure that organisations have established policies and procedures that satisfy their structural, legal and ethical requirements.

The Certificate IV in Community Services in Alcohol & Other Drugs – (AOD) is the minimum standard for Drug & Alcohol workers.

Optimal Health Group has been assisting with providing material for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) since 2000 and the Dual Diagnosis Training meets the learning criteria in the drug & alcohol and mental health modules for the diploma of AOD and Mental Health. So people can use this training as part of their Recognition of Prior Learning kit that they submit to any TAFE, along with their resume and job description..

This is an optional service for people that want to upskill that have completed the live or online advanced training which meets the competencies in the AOD & Mental Health modules.

This Advanced Drug & Alcohol Training in Addiction, Substance Abuse and Mental Health is also tax deductible as a work related expense and enables people to maintain professional development and upskilling.

To obtain a certificate of attendance and also qualify for 15 hours (ONLINE) or up to 15 hours (Live) of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for their professional peak body (APS, ACA, AASW, CPA, PACFA, ACWA etc), you must complete the full training, either LIVE or ONLINE.

When you have completed the course, please email me the statement from the learning platform so I can send you an official certificate from the Optimal Health Group for your professional development points.

This live and online training meets all of the criteria for evidence base, best practice and is available for Continuing Professional Development Points by with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as well as these peak bodies;

Online Training

Dual Diagnosis Training (12 Hour Advanced) available ONLINE in Addiction, Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

Hi, thank you for your interest in our ONLINE, Self-Paced, 12 hour S.A.M.H.I. Dual Diagnosis Training program in Addiction, Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
People may receive a discount from us by using our contact page to purchase the course for only $232.99 for a limited time. Reduced from $465.98 to $232.99 (50% off ).

To register and pay for the LIVE or ONLINE training, please click here then choose “Dual Diagnosis Training” $232.99 from drop down menu.

In 2018, S.A.M.H.I. launched its 6 module, Self-Paced, 12 hour Dual Diagnosis Training in Addiction, Substance Abuse and Mental Health. This training will equip workers to be able to deliver brief and early interventions to people struggling with Addiction, Substance Abuse and Mental Health issues, as well as advanced psychotherapeutic skills. This is the same as the comprehensive 2 day advanced live training that is being delivered in person across Australia and online in 124 countries as explained on our website.

This online Dual Diagnosis Training on the learning online learning platform provides lifetime access to the training. The reason why S.A.M.H.I has gone online is to expand the coverage of the highly acclaimed, comprehensive live 2 day advanced Dual Diagnosis Training designed and presented by George Patriki. George and his team continue to deliver the live training under the banner of Dual Diagnosis (www.dualdiagnosistraining.com.au) in conjunction with the online adapted S.A.M.H.I course. We have very specifically and deliberately made this course very affordable at $232.99. This is half price. Join with us to address the alarming comorbidity issues in Addiction, Substance Abuse and Mental Health that are rising in our communities across Australia and overseas.

Module 1. Drugs & Effects

  • Cycle of Addiction
  • Alcohol
  • Drink & Drug Driving
  • Tobacco
  • Cannabis
  • Stimulants (Speed, Ice, Ecstasy, Cocaine)
  • Inhalants (volatile substances)

Module 2. Addictions & Mental Health

  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Integrative Holistic Model
  • Needs & Underlying Issues that drive addictions

Module 3. Harm Minimisation & Optimal Health

  • Pharmacotherapies
  • Orthomolecular Science, Functional Medicine & Optimal Health

Module 4. Neuropharmacology & Neurophysiology (Brain Works)

  • Neuroplasticity
  • Neurotransmitters
  • Psychosis vs Dissociation
  • Psychospirituality

Module 5. Trauma model & Keys to Treatment

  • Guilt vs Shame
  • Dealing with ambivalence

Module 6. Brief & Early Intervention and Tripod of Support

  • Stages of Change
  • Costs vs Benefits – doing a brief intervention

This workplace assessment for RPL is designed to acknowledge people’s life experiences and work skills so they can be assessed within the context of their vocation, (whether it is paid or unpaid work). This Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) provide students with drug & alcohol (AOD) or Mental Health qualifications through the TAFE that are nationally recognised:

Certificate IV in Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD)

For people to apply for assessment in their workplace, they generally need to have at least 1 year experience in the welfare industry with a job description from the organisation they are working or volunteering for, that requires them to conduct psycho-social assessments on people needing help from their organisation, (not necessarily AOD).

Diploma of Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) & Diploma in Mental Health​

For people to apply for assessment in their workplace, they generally need to already have a Certificate IV or higher in community services or welfare, together with at least 2 years’ experience in the welfare industry with a job description from the organisation they are working or volunteering for, that requires them to conduct psycho-social assessments and / or counselling with people needing help, (not necessarily AOD). If they don’t already have a Certificate IV or higher, they may need at least 3 years work experience as explained above before they can apply.

Diploma in Counselling (CHC51015)

For people to apply for assessment in their workplace, they generally need to have already a Certificate IV or higher in community services or welfare, together with at least 3 years’ experience in the welfare industry with a job description from the organisation they are working or volunteering for, that requires them to conduct assessments with people needing help. It is not necessary to be providing psycho-therapy, but people will need to demonstrate that they are delivering basic counselling skills to clients, such as reflective listening, psycho-social assessments, client advocacy and referrals to service providers in the community. They will also need to demonstrate that they have understanding and competency with the key psychological modalities used within the social services industry. Particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy and other common interventions like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy. The Dual Diagnosis Training is not a requirement for this qualification.

All of these qualifications are nationally recognised and accredited with the National Training Package. I have been providing this RPL & training since 2000 for many people working in the welfare / AOD field in Victoria and Queensland who are needing to upskill to meet accreditation requirements at a personal and / or organisational level.

This RPL is not designed to replace full time education in these qualifications, but to give people the opportunity to demonstrate that they possess the relevant knowledge, skills and experience through a workplace assessment. The advanced Drug & Alcohol Training provides students with evidence based best practice knowledge required in these qualifications.

To register and pay for the training below, please contact us.

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