Course Catalogue: Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Community Care)

This qualification is proposed for workers working within or beginning work within an Aboriginal Sexual Health context and ready for study at Certificate IV level. Students will be expected to exhibit some breadth, depth of skills and knowledge in the range of sexual health issues and associated health problems impacting upon Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and their communities.

Workers seeking enrolment in or credit for this qualification must be able to demonstrate competence in the following competency units from Certificate III:

• HLTAHW301A Work in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health care context
• HLTFA301B Apply first aid
• HLTOHS300A Contribute to OHS processes
• HLTAHW302A Facilitate communication between clients and service providers
• HLTAHW304A Undertake basic health assessments
• HLTAHW305A Plan and implement basic health care
• HLTAHW306A Provide information about social and emotional support

Workers may be working within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health care context such as an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) or within an area health or hospital context. If a student is not currently in a related sexual health workforce role then they will need to satisfactorily complete a 240 vocational hour supervised field placement with a service providing sexual health services.

Aboriginal Health Workers may be involved in a range of health promotion, health care roles and settings. Areas in which an Aboriginal Health Worker may work include:

• Chronic disease prevention and monitoring
• Smoking cessation
• Nutrition
• Eye care
• Ear health
• Social and emotional wellbeing
• Aboriginal mental health
• Bringing Them Home counselling
• Community health programs
• Men’s health / women’s health
• Sexual health  

Qualifications cover workers who provide a range of primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, including specific health care programs.

Enrolment within this course will focus on recruiting students from the following in order:

1. New and existing Aboriginal Sexual Health Workers working in a context which fits with a Certificate IV level qualification in a community care context. Please refer to the accompanying overview and pre-requisite requirements section for further clarification
2. Students needing to gain a Certificate IV qualification  for further study or Recognition
3. Aboriginal Workers seeking a career transition with a readily transferable qualification pathway and relevant work experience at Certificate III level or higher
4. Other suitably eligible prospective students

There are 14 units of competence required including the 9 compulsory units listed below:
Unit of competency Nominal hours

• HLTAHW408A Address social determinants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health 120
• HLTAHW303A Advocate for the rights and needs of community members 20
• HLTAHW409A Deliver health promotion programs for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities 120
• CHCCS301A Work within a legal and ethical framework 50
• HLTAHW402A Assess and support client’s social and emotional well being 50
• CHCAOD2C Orientation to the alcohol and other drugs sector 50
• CHCCM2C Establish and monitor a case plan 50
• BSBCMN205A Use business technology 30
• CHCMH1B Orientation to mental health work 50

Elective units

5 elective units must be completed.  These electives can be chosen from a wide range of competencies provided they meet the health Services Training package requirements. The Aboriginal health College can advise whether a unit meets requirements. Sufficient electives are offered by the Aboriginal health College to facilitate qualification completion.