In order to attain the minimum qualification in the ACT, ACT Government Health Directorate and community organisations funded by ACT Government Health Directorate to provide ATOD services will require staff to successfully complete:

1. A current First Aid qualification to a Senior / Level 2 standard.

AND 

2. A qualification in ATOD or addiction studies which is equivalent to, or above, the Australian Qualifications Framework Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC40408).

OR

3. A heath, social, or behavioural science related tertiary qualification plus “4 Core Competencies”:

• CHCAOD402A: Work effectively in the AOD sector
• CHCAOD406D: Work with clients who are intoxicated
• CHCAOD408A: Assess needs of clients with AOD issues
• CHCAOD411A: Provide interventions for clients with AOD issues

The ACT ATOD MQS has evolved from an agreement between the ACT Government Health Directorate and community organisations funded by the Directorate to provide ATOD services, to introduce a minimum qualification for all workers in the ACT ATOD sector. It commenced in 2007 and is updated regularly in line with the national Community Services Training Package and other developments.

The ACT ATOD MQS policy was developed through input of members of the ACT ATOD Executive Directors and Workers Groups; the ACT ATOD Minimum Qualification Strategy Development and Implementation Committee; and participants of the ACT ATOD Sector Consultation Workshop in 2011. The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction at Flinders University provided support to develop this policy.

Download the 2011/12 ACT ATOD MQS Policy here: www.atoda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/ACTATODMQS1112.pdf
The following training and assessment will be available through the ACT ATOD MQS in Semester 2, 2012:

• Remaining units from the Certificate IV in AOD Work (for those who have completed the 4 core competencies);
• Recognition of prior learning; and,
• First Aid. 

Note: The existing model of the MQS is undergoing a review, and it is expected that significant amendments will be made to it’s implementation in 2013. This could include the provision of training from an alternative provider and different delivery modalities. Therefore, this Semester may be the last opportunity for workers to undertake the remaining units of the Certificate IV under the current model.

 

To obtain a copy of the Information and Application Package, see here:
www.atoda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/ACT_ATOD_MQS_Information_Package_Semester2_2012.doc, email info@atoda.org.au or call (02) 6255 4070
 

Course Dates and Information, Semester 2 2012
 
Recognition of prior learning (for approved applicants):
Participants to schedule a meeting with CIT if they wish to undertake recognition of prior learning between August 20 – 31, 2012.

Remaining units from the Certificate IV in AOD Work dates and times (for approved applicants):
9am – 4.30pm, Canberra Institute of Technology, Southside Campus on:

• 3 – 5 September
• 2 – 4 October
• 5 – 7 November
• 3 – 5 December

First aid date and times (for approved applicants):
8.30am – 5pm, 22 October at St Johns Ambulance Service, Deakin

Notes:

• Approved applicants must be prepare for the course in advance (course books will be available for collection from ATODA following approval); and
• Approved applicants must be on time and prepared to sit a test first thing otherwise St John’s will not allow the work to join the course.

 
For more information

See http://www.atoda.org.au/projects/mqs/, email info@atoda.org.au or call (02) 6255 4070