Peer Support Worker Courses
Peer Support Workers in mental health provide guidance and encouragement to individuals affected by mental health issues, utilising shared experiences to facilitate support.
AI Exposure
High
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
View all courses
How do I become a Peer Support Worker
Get qualified to work as a Peer Support Worker with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
CHC43315
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is for students wanting to work or volunteer providing support to people affected by mental illness or have a psychiatric disability. Students complete 15 units which focus heavily on foundation interpersonal skills such as building relationships, working collaboratively, and working with diverse cultural groups. Additionally, students graduate with practical skills and knowledge in trauma informed care, drug and alcohol issues affecting mental health and st...
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Find a provider
CHC43515
Duration
6 months - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
If you’ve lived through mental illness and would like to help others through their own recovery why not consider the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (CHC43515). This nationally recognised training qualification will teach you how to apply your lived experience in mental health to providing recovery oriented mental health services — as either a volunteer or paid worker. The course covers: trauma, drug and alcohol, planning group activities, working with carers, managing personal stressors, work h...
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Find a provider
CHC32015
Duration
4 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is excellent for students seeking careers as community services workers. Students begin with the foundation skills essential for maintaining personal safety while helping others. They learn how to manage personal stress, and communicate with clients from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. Students are then able to choose electives to pursue career interests such as working with the elderly, working with children and young people, drugs and alcohol...
Career opportunities
Duration
4 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Find a provider
CHC53315
Duration
11 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
A Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 is perfect for students seeking careers as community services workers supporting people with mental health issues. Students learn about working collaboratively, maintaining personal safety, helping people affected by drugs and alcohol, facilitating recovery, as well as managing grief and trauma.
The Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package.
Career opportunities
Duration
11 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Find a provider
View all
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Peer Support Worker.
Common questions
How much do Peer Support Workers earn?
In Australia, a full time peer support worker generally earns $1,600 per week ($83,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for Peer Support Workers?
There isn't specific data for peer support worker jobs, but general mental health support worker jobs appear to be on the rise. From 2019 to 2024, there is expected to be an approximately 29% national increase in jobs in the industry.
Source: Seek.com.au
How long does it take to become a Peer Support Worker?
To become a peer support worker, you often must have a Mental Health qualification. There are several potential nationally accredited learning pathways that can help you fulfil this requirement. A Certificate IV in Mental Health will take about 12 months to complete depending on if you study online, on campus or blend study modes and whether you study part time or full time. There is also a work placement component. A Diploma of Mental Health can take the same amount of time and have similar requirements. While neither of these qualifications guarantees employment, they are often considered a strong foundation for prospective employees.
Choose a field of study
If you're passionate about creating real change then a community services course is your next big step forward. Browse accredited courses and check your funding eligibility online.
All courses
Nurture your caring side with a career in Aged Care. Career pathways include Personal Carers, Aged Care Workers and Diversional Therapists. Check your eligibility for government funding. Start your career in Aged Care today.
Career opportunities
View all
Make an impact in the community and change lives through the Alcohol and Other Drugs career pathway. Possible job roles include Rehabilitation Counsellor, Substance Abuse Counsellor and Social Worker. Check your eligibility for...
Career opportunities
View all
Case Management courses are ideal for those wanting to give back to the community and facilitate change in a professional setting. Career pathways include Youth Case Worker and Case Manager. Check your eligibility for governmen...
Career opportunities
View all
All courses
More information
Peer support workers play a key role in the mental health field, offering assistance and encouragement to those living with mental health issues. This includes not only those who have illnesses, but also friends, families and others impacted by illness. Peer support workers draw on shared experiences to determine the best course of action of patients and clients.
Peer support in mental health can take a variety of forms depending on what the circumstance calls for. Workers are deeply knowledgeable about available resources, and can help facilitate the use of or participation in support groups and other community services. Peer support can also take place on a personal level, with one-to-one visits and consultations centred on something as simple as socialising to more detailed plan-building and goal-setting.
Courses by location