Apprenticeship in Mental Health and Addiction Support (Level 4)
Social Services
A course by
Careerforce
An apprenticeship programme leading to the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) with a strand in Mental Health and Addiction Support, designed for experienced staff working in mental health and addiction services.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
It will take a total of 21 months
Core skills this course teaches
Culturally respectful engagement
Engage and communicate with people, family, and whānau accessing services, respecting socio-cultural identity, experience, and self-knowledge.
Relationship development and outcome support
Develop relationships to support and improve outcomes for people experiencing mental health and addiction issues.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge
Demonstrate knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles when providing support.
What You're Signing Up For
This programme enables apprentices to develop skills required to work with people and their families in social and community services, supporting autonomy and resilience. The apprenticeship is self-directed and focused on developing critical thinking, reflective practice, and person-centred care. Apprentices learn on the job and are supported through Careerforce’s online learning and Apprenticeship Advisors. The programme awards a nationally-recognised Level 4 certificate and prepares graduates to support people facing mental health and addiction challenges.
Course Content
- Engaging and communicating respectfully with service users and whānau
- Supporting improved outcomes for those with mental health and addiction challenges
- Applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi in professional practice
- Understanding New Zealand’s health and wellbeing context
- Integrating kawa and tikanga with service provision and recognising Māori as tangata whenua
- First aid application in support roles
- Self-awareness, reflective practice, and leadership development
- Contributing to professionalism, safety, and quality standards in the workplace
- In-depth knowledge of mental health, addiction, and co-existing conditions
- Advocacy planning for service users
What you need to know first
Must be currently employed in a mental health and addiction support service
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Mental health
Addiction support
Healthcare services
Social services
Future employment opportunities might be
Mental Health Support Worker
Addiction Support Worker