Key messages
- The alcohol and other drug workforce is facing demands posed by changing patterns of substance use and increased prevalence of poly-drug use and comorbidity issues.
- Learning and development includes education and training, professional and leadership development, clinical supervision and practice support.
- Learning and development benefits the alcohol and other drug workforce and sector by building on workers’ competencies, capabilities and practice to enable them to meet these demands.
- Alcohol and other drug workers can undertake a range of specialist higher education, vocational and professional training qualifications and professional development programs across Victoria to further their learning and development.
The alcohol and other drug workforce in Victoria is facing demands posed by changing needs of service users and their families, as well as changing patterns of substance use and increased prevalence of poly-drug use and comorbidity issues. Workers are continually required to expand their knowledge of new treatment protocols and evidence-based practice and adapt to new models and systems of care and policy mandates.
Learning and development is a critical enabler to improve service delivery outcomes for clients, families and communities. It benefits the alcohol and other drug workforce, service providers and the broader health and welfare sector in Victoria. Investment in developing and sustaining workers’ competencies, capabilities and practice enables them to meet these demands.
Learning and development also enables the sector to provide responsive and effective treatment services that reflect the advances in treatment protocols and evidence-based practice.
Types of professional education and development
There are a range of opportunities to undertake formal education in alcohol and other drug and addiction studies, in accordance with the Minimum Qualification Strategy.
Accredited education and vocational training programs and professional development courses are offered by registered training organisations, TAFEs and universities across Victoria on a fee-for-service or a government-funded basis.
Accredited community services units are provided as part of the Community Services Training Package for the Certificate IV and Diploma courses or as short courses (CHC - Community Services units).
Relevant courses specific to alcohol and other drugs are listed below.
Undergraduate and vocational education courses
- Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol and Other Drugs)
- Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, Other Drugs and Mental Health)
- Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs
Postgraduate training and education courses
- Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
- Graduate Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
- Master of Addictive Behaviours
Short courses, workshops and seminars
- Prepare for Alcohol and Other Drugs Work
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set
- Assess Needs of Clients with Alcohol and/or Other Drugs Issues (CHC Unit)
- Provide Alcohol and/or Other Drug Withdrawal Services (CHC Unit)
- Provide Interventions for People with Alcohol and Other Drug Issues (CHC Unit)
- Work Effectively in the Alcohol and Other Drugs Sector (CHC Unit)
- Work Effectively with Clients with Complex Alcohol and/or Other Drugs Issues (CHC Unit)
- Work with Clients who are Intoxicated (CHC Unit)
- Working with Clients with Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Issues
Reviewed 19 November 2021