Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) has changed its name to Community Work Australia
Community Work Australia

Endorsed training

Professional development is an investment in your career and ensures better outcomes for the people with whom you work. It is a requirement for all professionals.

Community workers are placed in a unique relationship to other people and have a responsibility, as well as an ethical obligation, to remain professionally current.

Community Work Australia, formerly the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), recommends that community workers undertake 20 hours per year of targeted continuing professional development (CPD). CPD can be broader than formal training and we encourage members to think creatively about professional development.

Endorsed training list

We endorse quality training to take the guesswork out of choosing the right course or workshop. We also recommend you audit your skills each year to ensure the activities you select address your specific professional development needs and career ambitions. Read our advice on how to create your own training plan.

Browse the endorsed training below.

Online training

Offered by Existential Practice

This is an interactive workshop on clinical supervision that addresses the issues of safety, evaluation, collaboration, hierarchy versus collegial relationships and shame versus trust, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex dynamics of supervision in a clinical setting. It is aimed at providing an opportunity to connect, discuss supervision for mental health professionals and raise important questions on safety, growth, evaluation and support that are vital for practitioners accessing regular clinical supervision.

An experienced trauma-informed psychotherapist and PACFA accredited supervisor will guide you through thought-evoking scenarios of supervisory practice and examples of collaborative work that happens in a consulting room during a supervision consultation. We will also raise frequently encountered concerns for safety and effectiveness of supervisory process as building trust in supervision can be challenging, especially when an evaluation component is present.This workshop is for both supervisors and practitioners alike who aim at maximising effectiveness of supervision as a valuable and necessary aspect of mental health practice.

Learning Objectives:

  • Develop a practical understanding of safety in supervision - what does it look like?
  • Identify key approaches to evaluation and safety in supervision: can these co-exist?
  • Learn how you can build confidence and trust in supervision while navigating risky or complex client case scenarios
  • Participate in interactive experiences to connect with like-minded practitioners to share your own supervision experiences and discuss aspects of supervisory relationship and contract

This course is run online

Duration: 3 hours

Register now

Offered by Mental Health Academy

Working with autistic clients demands a deep understanding of their unique perspectives and experiences. Autism involves a distinct neurological structure and developmental trajectory, meaning conventional theories and interventions may not only fall short but can also cause unintended harm. This immersive 4-hour online Masterclass offers an in-depth exploration of how clinicians can adapt their current practices to provide more effective and compassionate care, promoting better outcomes for autistic clients.

Under the guidance of Dr. Mary P. Donahue (clinical psychologist) and Lisa Morgan (social worker and lived experience expert), you will gain insight into the specific needs of autistic clients and learn how to establish effective, trust-based relationships from initial contact through to goal completion. The Masterclass blends current research with real-world lived experiences, equipping you with practical tools and strategies to implement more appropriate interventions and improve client outcomes.

Live: 4 & 5 December 2024

On-demand: 4 December - 9 February 2025

Duration: 4 hours

Register now

Offered by Clinical Supervision Services

Competency Based Supervisor Training is for allied health professionals, social workers, pychologists (not seeking PsyBA supervisor accreditation), and clinicians working within counselling and/or health care provider roles. Professionals working in mental health, paediatric, child, adolescent, adult and aged care are suited to attend this course. Previous participants have included those working in private practice, community health, hospitals, in-patient units and NGO services.

The training is offered as either a 2-day workshop or a full certificate course:

1. Competency Based Supervision Workshop: 2-day Workshop, providing a Certificate of Completion for 14 CPD hours

2. Certificate of Attainment Course: 51 hour Certificate Course, providing the Certificate of Attainment in Clinical Supervision

1. Competency Based Supervision Workshop

This workshop provides participants with a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of effective clinical supervision. You will learn how to set up and conduct effective and supportive supervision, learn how to give feedback and evaluate supervision incorporating best practice standards and reflective practice. Participants will benefit from the opportunity to discuss case scenarios reviewing ethical challenges and how to manage, support and promote supervisee self-care.

Course flyer

2. Certificate of Attainment in Supervision Course

The aim of this course is to provide a framework for conducting and evaluating effective clinical supervision using a competency-based framework incorporating reflective practice. Participants will develop the necessary skills for setting up a rewarding clinical supervision relationship to enhance supervisee learning and skill development, considering the systemic issues of their workplace/team and client group.

Course flyer

Register here

Offered by Wise Care

The Resilient Caring Hearts Program aims to create a holistic, enriching experience that empowers aged care professionals to better handle the demands of their roles while maintaining empathy and compassion.

This will be delivered with:

  • Equip aged care professionals with the tools and knowledge to build personal resilience, ensuring they can sustain their wellbeing while providing compassionate care.
  • Enhance understanding of the unique challenges faced in aged care and provide strategies to overcome them effectively.
  • Foster a supportive community among aged care workers, encouraging the sharing of personal experiences and mutual support.
  • Provide practical resources and techniques that can be immediately applied in the workplace to improve both personal and professional resilience.

4 hours duration, online.

Face to face available upon request, for up to 20 participants.

Learn more and register here.

Read the flyer here.

Offered by Mental Health Academy

For the 10th consecutive year Mental Health Academy and Act for Kids are co-hosting the Mental Health Super Summit online conference.

Over the past 9 editions, 25,000+ mental health professionals have attended the Summit, helping raise $1.18M to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect in Australia.

This year our target is to raise an unprecedented $200,000.00 in a single edition.

Register now and you’ll learn directly from internationally-renowned experts, including Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, Dr. Justin Coulson, Dr. Cassandra Vieten, Dr. Jarrod Ehrie, Elaine Taylor-Klaus, Dr. Chad Luke, Dr. Christine McKee, and many others.

The Summit is delivered entirely online, with all sessions accessible in real-time (October 10-13) and on-demand (until December 31), from anywhere. Topics covered include:

  • Trauma-informed practice
  • ADHD and autism
  • Self-regulation and co-regulation in couple’s therapy
  • Integrative somatic psychotherapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Climate anxiety
  • Neuroscience
  • Lived experience
  • Post-traumatic growth
  • Cultural responsiveness
  • And much more!

If you work in mental health, this event is not to be missed.

20 hours duration, online
Learn more and register.

Offered by Opengate Institute

This short online course will give you a good snapshot of Sandtray Therapy's role in mental health. You will gain insight into the theoretical frameworks that support sand tray therapy, such as developmental, psychosocial, and attachment theory.

This is a first step towards gaining a foundational understanding of sandtray therapy working across the lifespan.

3 hours duration
You will have access to this course for four weeks, online

Learn more and register.
Offered by Connect Lead Achieve

This training will help you understand the hazards and risks facing our community services workforce and help you to prepare a psychosocial risk assessment that aligns to your work environment.

Not only is this good practice, but it is also a legal requirement. Legislation was introduced in 2023 that prioritises psychological safety of employees in the same way that physical health and safety is prioritised.

Online training
Learn more and register.

Offered by Online Courses Australia

This bundle comprises of three micro-credentials designed by mental health experts to equip you to build strong therapeutic relationships. Through online modules and high-quality video sessions, you will learn how to support individual health and emotional wellbeing, work within a structured counselling framework, and understand the key development theories of counselling.

The three micro-credentials included in this bundle are:

  • Counselling Career Sampler (valued at $399)
  • Counselling Skills Micro-Credential (valued at $1099)
  • Relationship Counselling Micro-Credential (valued at $399)

Learn more and register

Offered by Online Courses Australia

Online Courses Australia’s Mental Health Course Bundle includes 3 micro-credentials that cover 19 topic areas including emotional wellness, resilience, mental illness and recovery focused care. By completing this course you will gain an understanding of common mental health conditions, learn know how to identify symptoms, and engage with the best support techniques.

This bundle includes:

  • Course One: Child & Adolescent Mental Health
  • Course Two: Mental Health in Adults
  • Course Three: Celebrity Mentor Series (Masterclasses)

Learn more and register

Offered by KidsXpress

In this 3-hour workshop participants will develop an appreciation of the professional and personal risks related to working with people who have experienced trauma, as well as an awareness of symptoms of secondary traumatic stress & compassion fatigue.

Participants will be guided to:

  • Understand the importance of stress reduction and self-care and practice some effective stress-reduction strategies.
  • Develop their own selfcare “toolbox” and learn to plan for managing challenging situations more proactively, safely and successfully.
  • Learn strategies that incorporate expressive arts as a tool for participants.

This training is available face to face and online.

Learn more and register

Offered by KidsXpress

This course will equip participants to support children and young people impacted by trauma.

Participants will:

  • Learn what trauma is, the different types of trauma, how common it is, and how traumatic experiences can disrupt normal developmental processes and interfere with learning and behaviour.
  • Develop knowledge and understanding to build confidence and capacity to support children that have been impacted by trauma.
  • Learn how to use a variety of verbal and non-verbal strategies to support participation and enhance wellbeing.

Learn more and register

Offered by Mindful Life Wellness

Kids Mindfulness Facilitator Online is a on demand, self-paced training course which will upskill participants to teach children how to self-soothe and self-manage stress via mindfulness and meditation practices.

The teacher training is 6 modules of video education and comprehensive instruction that guides participants in how to set up and run their very own children’s group mindfulness program.

The all-inclusive fee includes tuition/education, plus teachers program handbook and all necessary class resources to get you started on teaching group well-being programs for children.

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

Recognising domestic and family violence is typically not straightforward. Clients may be reluctant to disclose what is happening for them as a result of fear, shame and stigma. Clients may present with multiple issues that, on the surface, appear to be unrelated to their intimate or family relationships. They might also not recognise what they are experiencing as domestic and family violence. This upskill micro-credential will help increase your confidence to support clients who are experiencing, or at risk of, domestic and family violence.

Participants will:

  • Understand the prevalence of domestic and family violence in Australia
  • Examine the impacts of domestic and family violence on individuals and groups
  • Understand the different ways to recognise if a client is experiencing domestic and family violence
  • Learn how to respond appropriately to clients disclosing an experience of domestic and family violence

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

This upskill micro-credential introduces you to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, an increasingly recognised therapeutic program. This course has been specifically designed to provide an overview of DBT for helping professionals, and help you develop understanding, techniques and strategies to assist you as you continue your professional journey.

As Dialectical Behaviour Therapy requires an in-depth knowledge of the underlying theories, as well as skills specific to the delivery of DBT, this course is considered an overview only, and does not replace professional training in DBT as required in order to gain certification.

Participants will:

  • Understand the principles of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Examine strategies to increase a client’s tolerance of difficult emotions
  • Understand how people handle negative and overwhelming emotions
  • Learn how to help clients increase their self-awareness

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

This course has been designed to introduce important topics and practical skills for working with clients experiencing health conditions, including health anxiety in a therapeutic setting. The course will increase your confidence and knowledge in this area.

It will focus on different aspects of a client’s health journey, including theories, understanding effects of health, chronic vs acute conditions, health anxiety and how to support carers of those with health conditions. There is also some information about assisting clients facing end-of-life care or palliative care.

Participants will:

  • Understand different theories and approaches to supporting clients with health conditions
  • Learn of the variety of functional impacts of your client's condition from a wellbeing lens
  • Examine how people can be affected by health anxiety (Illness Anxiety Disorder)
  • Understand how you can support carers of those with health conditions

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

Practitioners integrating mindfulness into their therapeutic practices are ethically responsible for the assessment of a client’s capacity to engage in mindfulness strategies, as well as the identification of specific practices which are both appropriate to the client’s presentation, and which support the therapeutic goals of the intervention. Therefore, the focus of this upskill micro-credential is to offer practical examples of ways clinicians can gain experience in using mindfulness both with their clients and in their own lives.

This course has been specifically designed for helping professionals, to build on your existing knowledge, skills and practical experience, and help you develop understanding, techniques and strategies to assist you as you continue your professional journey..

Participants will:

  • Understand what mindfulness is and how it differs from other similar techniques
  • Learn how to improve your own mindfulness practice
  • Recognise important considerations when using mindfulness with clients
  • Use mindfulness in your client work

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

This course has been designed to introduce popular assessment tools, increase your knowledge of which tools and assessments can be done as a counsellor and to understand the benefit of each. It focuses on working with and conducting assessment for clients in the counselling setting.

Participants will:

  • Understand how assessment is commonly used in a counselling session
  • Examine some of the most popular standardised tests in Australia
  • Understand how to introduce, undertake and evaluate assessment with clients
  • Learn how to utilise assessment tools with vulnerable groups

Learn more and register

Offered by Clinical Supervision Services (CSS).

This online course comprises 4 self-paced online study modules and is suitable for all health and welfare professionals who work with clients experiencing domestic violence, either incidentally or in an ongoing therapeutic setting, who want to deepen their understanding of this complex area.

Topics include: Dynamics of domestic violence; Impacts on adult and child victims; Understanding and responding to domestic violence; Ways of working effectively with adult victims to acknowledge strengths while appreciating risks.

The self-paced study modules including videos, reflective learning tasks and online readings. Participants will develop a solid foundation upon which to build more advanced therapeutic skills.

Learn more and register

Offered by Clinical Supervision Services (CSS).

This independent learning online module provides participants with a solid understanding of different models and approaches to working with couples. It reviews the challenges of working with couples and provides structured learning exercises to enhance knowledge and skills in working with couples who present with relationship difficulties.

The module provides readings, links to webinars and online teaching videos and self-reflective learning tasks. Specific issues in couples therapy are also addressed including readings and resources.

Some of the models introduced in this course include Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) (Johnson; Greenberg), Collaborative Couples Therapy (Wile) and the Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

Learn more and register

Offered by Clinical Supervision Services (CSS) and the Sydney Family Therapy Training Institute (SFTTI)

This online self-study program provides participants with a thorough understanding of child and adolescent mental health, by becoming familiar with normal child and adolescent development and developing knowledge on ways to optimise engagement and build rapport with young people.

The course will assist participants with an understanding on how to conduct an effective assessment to maximise information about biological, psychological, social and developmental factors that may be impacting on a young person’s mental health and develop evidence-based treatment plans considering the family, social and cultural context.

An overview of some of the common presentations in childhood and adolescence including anxiety concerns, depression and related mood disorders will be provided. Participants will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills to respond to young people who present with anxiety and depression and other serious mental health conditions.

This e-learning course comprises 6 self-paced online study modules and includes video demonstration, practical examples, reflective tasks, readings and an online assessment quiz.

Learn more and register

Offered by Clinical Supervision Services (CSS) and the Sydney Family Therapy Training Institute (SFTTI)

This online training is offered as either 6 stand-alone modules or as a discounted course combining all 6 modules. Each module provides a theoretical overview of family therapy practice guidelines and an introduction to contemporary family therapy models.

The emphasis of the training is the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are relevant to high-quality family intervention practices. Students will be introduced to the core ideas and skills of family theory and review the major models of contemporary family therapy.

Course content
Module 1 - Using Genograms in Family Therapy
Module 2 - Family Assessments
Module 3 - Structural Family therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Module 4 - Milan Systemic Therapy
Module 5 - Bowen Systems Theory and Narrative Therapy
Module 6 - Contemporary Models of Family therapy

Learn more and register

Offered by Clinical Supervision Services (CSS) and the Sydney Family Therapy Training Institute (SFTTI)

This online course provides comprehensive coverage of information on supervisor core skills. The course will increase your confidence and skills in providing supervision considering the wider system including self, supervisee, the client and the agency.

For community workers interested in clinical supervision, this training provides an opportunity to up-skill. For more experienced clinicians, this is a chance to further develop competence in setting up and delivering clinical supervision.

The training consists of seven self-paced modules and includes presentations, video demonstrations, reflective tasks, readings and relevant resources, including templates to be used in clinical practice. A series of assessment tasks, quizzes are also included.

Learn more and register

Offered by Embrace Empowerment

Suitable for beginners, this interactive and practice course covers the basics of EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques). The course enables you to use simple EFT Tapping with your clients and on yourself.

It includes techniques to assist with reducing uncomfortable emotions and physical discomfort, lowering stress and anxiety, and managing cravings.

Participants can choose to attend a face to face session or undertake the course online.

What you’ll learn:

  • What is EFT Tapping?
  • Why and how does EFT work?
  • The tapping points
  • Ways to overcome blocks to progress
  • An overview of the standard EFT procedure
  • EFT for physical issues, pain, or discomfort
  • Important points for applying EFT successfully
  • EFT for cravings
  • EFT for anxiety
  • Ways to find core issues
  • Testing results

Live sessions
10-11 August 2024, Online
7-8 November 2024, Online

Learn more and register

Offered by Embrace Empowerment

This course is trauma focused and covers more advanced EFT Tapping techniques than the Level 1 version of this training. You’ll learn techniques for managing emotions, anxiety, physical discomfort, trauma, PTSD, phobias, shifting beliefs, working in groups, and more.

EFT Tapping Level 2 is interactive, and you’ll have plenty of time to practice. You can choose to attend a face to face session or undertake the course online.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to address what’s holding them back (Palace of possibilities and Writing on the walls)
  • Additional tapping points
  • Advanced trauma techniques (Chasing the pain, Tell the story, Tearless Trauma, Movie Technique)
  • Ways to find core issues
  • How to address physical issues
  • How to conduct EFT Tapping sessions online and via telephone
  • Best ways to work in groups – borrowed benefits explained
  • What to do if you can’t use EFT - for example, working with clients who experience sensory sensitivity, a migraine or a client with a facial injury
  • Working with phobias
  • How to shift belief systems

Live sessions
12-13 August 2024, Online
9-10 November 2024, Online

Learn more and register

Offered by Embrace Empowerment

The EFT Tapping Level 3 Advanced Practitioner Training, expands on the knowledge and skills from Levels 1 and 2. Advanced EFT and exploration skills will be taught along with how to work creatively as well as multi-dimensionally with individual clients (children or adults), groups and ourselves.

What you’ll learn:

  • Skills for working with clients
  • Practitioner self-care techniques
  • Exploring what clients want
  • A deeper understanding of psychological reversal
  • Techniques for exploring aspects of issues and challenges
  • More techniques for working with trauma and uncomfortable emotions
  • Working with health conditions with a focus on allergies
  • Working with metaphors
  • Working with the inner child
  • Multi-dimensional EFT Tapping
  • Ho’oponopono and EFT
  • Working with inner conflict

Live sessions
17-19 January 2025, Level 3 ONLINE

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

This is a comprehensive professional development program designed to assist helping professionals integrate mindfulness practice into their client work.

The course will help learners develop their understanding of how mindfulness became the phenomenon it is in the West today, and the key processes and concepts that underlie it. Participants will explore how a personal mindfulness practice can be developed, consider the research into the effects of mindfulness in various contexts and among different groups, and how different professionals have integrated mindfulness into their practice approaches.

The course covers:

  • Professional practice considerations
  • A ‘nuts and bolts’ guide to using mindfulness in client sessions
  • Helping clients develop a personal mindfulness practice beyond the helping context
  • The major therapies that have integrated mindfulness

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

In this micro-credential you’ll learn how to work effectively with children as your client, which is uniquely rewarding and challenging.

This program will introduce you to important topics and theories related to working with children (aged 2-12) in a therapeutic setting, as well as enrich your own skill set and confidence.

You’ll gain awareness of children's developmental stages, including examining attachment styles and how to develop a child-centric approach to practice. You’ll learn how to work with other stakeholders and how to work with trauma and various health conditions (illness, disability, ASD, ADHD, learning difficulties, anxiety, etc).

The course is divided into four parts:

  • Development awareness
  • Working with others/stakeholders, and engaging with families
  • Health conditions
  • Trauma

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

In this micro-credential you’ll learn how to work effectively with LGBTIQ+ clients. You’ll learn about the specific challenges and areas of risk faced by the LGBTIQ+ population, including depression and suicide. You’ll review the benefits and limitations different therapeutic approaches can have when working with a client from the LGBTIQ+ community. And you’ll work through five case studies.

Mainstream Western understandings of gender and sexuality are changing. For example, gender identity has traditionally been understood in a limited way – a person could either be a man, a woman or ‘other.’ In the past twenty years the possibilities of gender and sexuality have become increasingly apparent.

This course is divided into four parts:

  • Background
  • Important issues
  • Therapeutic approaches
  • Case studies

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

In this micro-credential you’ll learn about mental health issues that occur across the lifespan. You’ll learn conceptually about mental health, understanding supports and interventions, working positively with people with mental health issues, identifying and responding to risk, and more.

This program enables therapists to gain a deeper view of mental health and how it is conceptualised within the social services field.

The course is divided into four parts:

  • Conceptualising mental health and mental health issues
  • Understanding supports and interventions
  • Working positively with people with mental health issues
  • Identifying and responding to risk

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

In this micro-credential you’ll learn effective ways to work with teens as they transition through this dynamic period of their lives. You’ll learn how to help them navigate social media and online communities; peer pressure and bullying; use of alcohol and drugs; risky behaviours; romantic relationships, trauma, and more. You’ll also learn to use the public health model when using a harm minimisation approach in these areas.

This course will focus on working with adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19, in particular, how to assist them and create strong working relationships.

The course is divided into four parts:

  • Getting to know your client
  • Freedom, AOD and romantic relationships
  • Mental health, self-harm and suicidal clients
  • Trauma

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

In this micro-credential you’ll learn about the hugely popular modern behavioural therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT aims to help people live a rewarding and meaningful life while accepting the presence of unwanted and often unpleasant thoughts, emotions, memories, urges and sensations that inevitably occur.

The course is divided into three parts:

  • Introduction
  • Putting ACT into practice
  • ACT interventions

Learn more and register

Offered by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

In this micro-credential you’ll learn how to support employee wellbeing, gain an understanding of factors that can negatively impact on the psychological health of workers, and learn strategies to support the ongoing mental wellbeing and address psychological concerns if and when they arise.

This course has been designed specifically for helping professionals, to build on your existing knowledge, skills and practical experience, and help you develop understanding, techniques and strategies to assist you as you continue your professional journey.

The course is divided into four parts:

  • Workplace wellbeing
  • Communication and collegial care
  • Secondary traumatic stress and vicarious trauma
  • Self-care and supervision

Learn more and register

Offered by First 1000 Days Australia

First 1000 Days Australia is a First Nations model focused on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from preconception to 2 years of age.

Referencing WHO principles of integrated health and holistic family care, this activity provides community workers with the capacity to address intergenerational trauma and promote strategies for family resilience, mental health, cultural safety and social and emotional wellbeing.

The online training course consists of 5 modules and 1 masterclass compromising of over 34 lessons. Participants can learn at their own pace and the course can be completed in as little as 5 weeks or over a period of 3 months.

Learn more and register

Enquiries: info@first1000daysaustralia.com

Offered by Human Connections

The Accidental Counsellor Training is a practical mental health training that teaches basic counselling skills and principles to people who are not trained counsellors but often find themselves in a “counselling role by accident”.

Learn more and register

Offered by The Grief Centre

Making the Difference is a self-paced online course for professionals who work with clients or staff who may be facing a difficult life situation, significant change, or any form of loss or grief. The course looks at the impact of these difficult situations on our clients, how you can support them through it and strategies for your own professional self-care.

The course is structure into 4 training modules:

  1. The impact of difficult life situations
  2. What does 'good support' mean?
  3. Providing good support
  4. Strategies for self-care
Learn more and register

Offered by PsychAssist Training

In this course we will explore the nature, dynamics and risks of vicarious trauma and contrast it with secondary trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue. The course will equip you with a range of interpersonal, personal and organisational strategies to address the risks of vicarious trauma and its impacts, and foster possibilities for post-traumatic growth and vicarious resilience.

The course will equip you with a range of interpersonal, personal and organisational strategies to address the risks of vicarious trauma and its impacts, and foster possibilities for post-traumatic growth and vicarious resilience.

Learn more and register

Offered by Children, Youth and Families, ACT Community Services Directorate

This free e-Learning is designed to help you understand reporting requirements under the ACT Children and Young People Act 2008. This includes the important role and responsibility of mandated and voluntary reporters, what should and should not be reported to CYPS and how to respond to a child who tells you they have been abused.

Cost
FREE

Learn more and register.

Offered by Jane Wexler

This online course provides meaningful, experiential learning that has been contextualized using film and interactive narratives, which focus on essential knowledge and skills required for new or inexperienced supervisors working in the human services profession. It provides maximum opportunity for participants to engage and learn, using multiple methods including realistic video and audio scenarios, reflective exercises and group discussions.

Get the Community Work Australia discount Community Work Australia members receive discounted registration

View the flyer

Learn more and register

Offered by Optimal Health Group

This advanced training covers current evidence-based, best practice in Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) and mental health from an integrated, holistic framework. The program will equip workers to deliver brief and early interventions to people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as develop advanced psychotherapeutic skills.

Learn more and register

Offered by Mental Health Academy

MHA is Australia’s largest provider of mental health CPD online. Their comprehensive course catalogue is available 24/7 and includes over 700 hours of Community Work Australia endorsed CPD. Click the link below for the list of courses available on the platform.

Cost
MHA CPD is based on a membership model to increase your choices. You only pay a fixed monthly or annual fee to access the entire catalogue.

Thanks to our partnership, you can join MHA entirely risk free with MHA’s 30-day money back guarantee.

Learn more and register

Conferences

13-16 May 2024, Melbourne VIC

The FRSA National Conference is heralded as a highlight event for the Family and Relationship Services network and is one of the largest annual gatherings of practitioners, academics and policy makers working to support children, families and communities. This ‘not to be missed’ event will feature a number of highly acclaimed keynote presenters, as well as Federal Ministers and sector leaders with a focus on delivering the most effective services to children, families and young people.

The theme for the FRSA National Conference 2024 – Family & Relationship Services – Valued now and into the future and will be held at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park on 13-16 May 2024.

Each and every day, family and relationship services help facilitate changes in the lives of the children, adults, families and communities they work with. These might be barely perceptible micro-changes. They might be lightbulb moments. They might be multiplier or cascading effects that are difficult to attribute to any one intervention or service. Change, as the saying goes, is the only constant and reflecting on the role our sector plays in facilitating positive change is an important step in understanding where concepts, practices and interventions can be maximised and replicated and where we might explore new possibilities, new ways of thinking and of doing to make the greatest impact.

The FRSA National Conference 2024 provides a platform to showcase and learn from on the ground practice and research. It will provide an opportunity to consolidate an understanding of our sector’s ‘value add’ and identify the strengths we can build on and the opportunities we can harness.

This year we will come together to share and explore our sector’s value and our sector’s potential.

When and where
13-16 May 2024, Melbourne VIC

Learn more and register

May 24-26 (Live Webinars), May 24 - July 21(On-Demand)

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44. As a mental health professional, you are the frontline of defence, and you will be required to work with suicidality. You must be prepared.

The purpose of the 2024 Suicide Prevention Summit is to equip clinicians and community workers with evidence-based, culturally-informed strategies, insights, and clinical tools for identifying and managing suicide risk.

To achieve that, Mental Health Academy has assembled 15 highly respected experts in mental health and suicide prevention into one online specialised Summit. And you can learn for free.

When and where
May 24-26 (Live Webinars), May 24 - July 21(On-Demand)

Learn more and register

Workshops

Offered by Connect Lead Achieve

The ultimate goal of this program is to develop more self-aware, empathetic and curious individuals and, in turn, more capable and accountable leaders in the human services sector.

Attendees will learn about effective communication and practice having difficult conversations; how to build trust and implement proactive strategies to encourage engagement and performance in your team; and core HR competencies required for sustainability in the sector.

Workshops
9 August 2024, QLD

Learn more and register.

Offered by Supervision Training Services (STS).

This training program provides a framework for conducting and evaluating effective clinical supervision using a competency-based framework that incorporates reflective practice. Participants will develop skills to enhance supervisee learning and skill development, considering the systemic issues of their workplace/team and client group.

The 3-day face-to-face classroom work is broken into two phases: face-to-face training and formal assessment of supervision skills.

Topics include:

  • Theory and best practice
  • How to structure individual, peer and group supervision sessions
  • Issues in applying professional supervision
  • Ethical, legal and risk management issues
  • Resistant supervisees
  • Mental health issues and supervision
  • Note taking and record keeping

Workshops
24-26 May 2024, Melbourne.
23-25 August 2024, Melbourne.
23-25 November 2024, Melbourne.

Learn more and register

Offered by KidsXpress

In this 3-hour workshop participants will develop an appreciation of the professional and personal risks related to working with people who have experienced trauma, as well as an awareness of symptoms of secondary traumatic stress & compassion fatigue.

Participants will be guided to:

  • Understand the importance of stress reduction and self-care and practice some effective stress-reduction strategies.
  • Develop their own selfcare “toolbox” and learn to plan for managing challenging situations more proactively, safely and successfully.
  • Learn strategies that incorporate expressive arts as a tool for participants.

This training is available face to face and online.

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Offered by KidsXpress

This course will equip participants to support children and young people impacted by trauma.

Participants will:

  • Learn what trauma is, the different types of trauma, how common it is, and how traumatic experiences can disrupt normal developmental processes and interfere with learning and behaviour.
  • Develop knowledge and understanding to build confidence and capacity to support children that have been impacted by trauma.
  • Learn how to use a variety of verbal and non-verbal strategies to support participation and enhance wellbeing.

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Offered by Realisations Consultancy

There is frequently a gap between the education and experience that one receives as a competent, confident and capable mental health professional, and the training that is needed to successfully step into a leadership role.

This Masterclass series is aimed at equipping mental health professionals with the essential skills, knowledge and capabilities to be able to feel confident in undertaking the leading of a team of professionals in the mental health care sector.

The program is suitable for all mental health professionals who are in, or will soon be in, a team leader, supervisory, coordinator or leadership role.

The program consists of:

  • pre-reading of three relevant journal articles (sent on registration)
  • two consecutive days of training
  • opportunities for relevant experiential learning and practice
  • networking with like-minded Mental Health professionals
  • certificate of participation for use in claiming CPD hours

Workshops
5 & 6 March 2024, Victoria Park WA
27 & 28 August 2024, Victoria Park WA

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Offered by Embrace Empowerment

Suitable for beginners, this interactive and practice course covers the basics of EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques). The course enables you to use simple EFT Tapping with your clients and on yourself.

It includes techniques to assist with reducing uncomfortable emotions and physical discomfort, lowering stress and anxiety, and managing cravings.

Participants can choose to attend a face to face session or undertake the course online.

What you’ll learn:

  • What is EFT Tapping?
  • Why and how does EFT work?
  • The tapping points
  • Ways to overcome blocks to progress
  • An overview of the standard EFT procedure
  • EFT for physical issues, pain, or discomfort
  • Important points for applying EFT successfully
  • EFT for cravings
  • EFT for anxiety
  • Ways to find core issues
  • Testing results

Live sessions
21-22 September 2024, Brisbane QLD
19-20 October 2024, Wollongong, NSW

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Offered by Embrace Empowerment

This course is trauma focused and covers more advanced EFT Tapping techniques than the Level 1 version of this training. You’ll learn techniques for managing emotions, anxiety, physical discomfort, trauma, PTSD, phobias, shifting beliefs, working in groups, and more.

EFT Tapping Level 2 is interactive, and you’ll have plenty of time to practice. You can choose to attend a face to face session or undertake the course online.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to address what’s holding them back (Palace of possibilities and Writing on the walls)
  • Additional tapping points
  • Advanced trauma techniques (Chasing the pain, Tell the story, Tearless Trauma, Movie Technique)
  • Ways to find core issues
  • How to address physical issues
  • How to conduct EFT Tapping sessions online and via telephone
  • Best ways to work in groups – borrowed benefits explained
  • What to do if you can’t use EFT - for example, working with clients who experience sensory sensitivity, a migraine or a client with a facial injury
  • Working with phobias
  • How to shift belief systems

Live sessions
23-24 September, 2024, Brisbane, QLD
21-22 October, 2024, Wollongong, NSW

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Offered by Embrace Empowerment

The EFT Tapping Level 3 Advanced Practitioner Training, expands on the knowledge and skills from Levels 1 and 2. Advanced EFT and exploration skills will be taught along with how to work creatively as well as multi-dimensionally with individual clients (children or adults), groups and ourselves.

What you’ll learn:

  • Skills for working with clients
  • Practitioner self-care techniques
  • Exploring what clients want
  • A deeper understanding of psychological reversal
  • Techniques for exploring aspects of issues and challenges
  • More techniques for working with trauma and uncomfortable emotions
  • Working with health conditions with a focus on allergies
  • Working with metaphors
  • Working with the inner child
  • Multi-dimensional EFT Tapping
  • Ho’oponopono and EFT
  • Working with inner conflict

Live sessions
1-3 March 2024, Parramatta NSW

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Offered by First 1000 Days Australia

First 1000 Days Australia is a First Nations model focused on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from preconception to 2 years of age.

First 1000 Days Australia is excited to bring back face-to-face training with Professor Kerry Arabena.

Cost = $1300 - includes meals (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea) but does not include travel

Where and when
27-28 May 2024, Melbourne

Learn more and register

Enquiries: info@first1000daysaustralia.com

Offered by Project Paradigm - A program of IFYS Ltd

This training enables professionals and agencies involved with children and young people to gain a greater understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

It explores the sophisticated models of recruitment (‘grooming’) used to sexually exploit young people as well as teaching skills in assessment and intervention with the aim of protecting young people and preventing CSE within communities.

Level 2 - Preventing Child Sexual Exploitation

This workshop looks at the current body of research in both an Australian and overseas context and covers the following key elements:

  • Definitions and exploration of processes of control used in CSE.
  • Common risk indicators found to be present in cases of CSE.
  • Examining stereotypes and the use of language when responding to CSE.
  • The impact of sexual exploitation and the needs of young people when considering intervention.
  • How to risk assess specific cases to enable an informed approach to intervention.

Level 3 - Working with Practical Challenges of Child Sexual Exploitation**

This workshop aims to support professionals and agencies involved with children and young people to gain a greater depth in knowledge and understanding of CSE and will cover the following key elements:

  • Discuss challenges and barriers to engaging with young people resistant to change.
  • Understand how to better support young people with additional needs.
  • Develop an understanding of the potential for victims to become perpetrators, and potential ways to work with them.
  • Suggestions and tips for dealing with disclosures of CSE.
  • Potential resources and techniques for problem solving.

**In order to undertake Level 3 Training, participants need to have completed the Level 2 training beforehand.

Where and when
19 & 20 November 2024, Cairns QLD
19 & 20 November 2024, Ipswich QLD
26 & 27 November 2024, Hobart TAS

Course Recognition
Certificate of completion – For Australian teachers and educators this training aligns with the following standards:
APST – 4.4, 4.5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4
NQS – 2.2.3

For further information, a copy of the flyer or to submit an expression of interest please contact:
Email: info@projectparadigm.com.au

Offered by Human Connections

The Accidental Counsellor Training is a practical mental health training that teaches basic counselling skills and principles to people who are not trained counsellors but often find themselves in a “counselling role by accident”.

An Accidental Counsellor can be anyone who is not employed as a trained counsellor, but often finds themselves placed in a counselling role by accident. You could be an Accidental Counsellor as a teacher, youth worker, team leader, aged care professional or chaplain.

Where and when
4 April 2024, NSW
1 May 2024, Melbourne VIC
9 May 2024, Penrith NSW
16 May 2024, Asquith NSW
4 June 2024, Geelong VIC
13 June 2024, Sydney NSW
18 June 2024, Adelaide SA
19 July 2024, Pymble NSW
30 July 2024, Bendigo VIC
12 August 2024, Cairns QLD
14 August 2024, Maryborough QLD
29 August 2024, Sydney NSW
11 September 2024, Perth WA
21 November 2024, Sydney NSW

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Offered by Clinical Supervision Services

This course provides the fundamental knowledge required of establishing a competency-based supervision working alliance including the fundamentals of setting up supervision using clear learning goals, establishing a learning contract, how to use reflective questioning techniques in supervision and how to provide effective feedback to develop best practice skills in supervision.

The Supervisor course includes 3 components: an online component, a 14 hour two-day workshop and a 7 hour one day assessment of competency that includes a 60-minute formal assessment.

Where and when
3-4 April 2024, videoconference
28-29 May 2024, videoconference
1-2 July 2024, videoconference

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Offered by Optimal Health Group

This advanced training covers current evidence-based, best practice in Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) and mental health from an integrated, holistic framework.

The program will equip workers to deliver brief and early interventions to people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as develop advanced psychotherapeutic skills.

Where and when
27 May 2024, Gold Coast Qld
28 May 2024, Gold Coast Qld

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Offered by Responsible Gambling Fund as a community education initiative

This three hour workshop is to educate community workers who are not gambling harm experts on how to identify and respond to possible gambling issues that their clients are experiencing.

The workshops are delivered either online (webinar) or face to face and are delivered by experienced problem gambling counsellors.

Content covered includes:

  • the Australian context of gambling and gambling harm
  • how to identify potential gambling harm within an individual
  • psychosocial factors and co-morbid conditons that may accompany gambling harm
  • how to respond to a client who may be experiencing gambling harm, include providing education, outlining management strategies and providing referrals.

Where and when
3 June 2024, online

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Offered by Clinical Supervision Services

This workshop covers the core concepts and techniques of family therapy practice, providing an overview of the influence of the major schools of thought on contemporary practice. The emphasis will be on applying theory as systemic practice, through teaching, demonstration, video, role play, case illustrations, group discussion and small group exercises.

Where and when
14-15 October 2024, Sydney NSW

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Upon request/workplace training

Offered by Embrace Empowerment

Embrace Empowerment offers a range of EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) training options for beginners through to experienced practitioners.

The courses are interactive, and teach techniques that can be used with clients and on yourself.

If you are interested in booking a session at your workplace, please email welcome@embraceempowerment.com or call 1300 037 778 to discuss costs, availability etc.

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Offered by Jane Wexler

This highly interactive, two-day workshop teaches participants the foundational skills of a supervisor working with multi-disciplinary teams and introduces participants to a State of Being approach to supervision, where relationship is placed at the heart of supervision. Participants receive a comprehensive Learner Guide and a Course Certificate upon completion of the two days.

Level 1 is suitable for community workers with no supervision experience, or inexperienced supervisors wanting to grow their skills and increase their confidence.

Pre-requisites
A minimum of 2 years practice experience and an understanding of what supervision; some formal theories beyond entry level; knowledge of legislation related to organisational practice, and an open mind.

Cost = Get the Community Work Australia discount Community Work Australia members receive discounted registration.

View the flyer

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Offered by Jane Wexler

This highly experiential, practical two-day workshop teaches participants how to deepen and expand their supervision skills and take their supervision practice to advanced levels. It uses carefully selected frameworks and tools for more experienced supervisors, leaders and managers, and a State of Being approach to supervision, where relationship is placed at the heart of supervision.

Level 2 is designed for (but not limited to) supervisors, team leaders, human services & other professionals with some supervision experience, wanting deeper insight and transformative tools resulting in professional growth. Please note, Supervision and State of Being Level 1 is not a pre-requisite to attend Level 2

Pre-requisites
Some experience as a supervisor, team leader or manager, or completion of Supervision and State of Being: Level 1, or other supervision training.

Cost = Get the Community Work Australia discount Community Work Australia members receive discounted registration.

View the flyer

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Offered by Jane Wexler

This highly interactive one-day workshop has been developed in response to a high demand from supervisors, team leaders, human services & other professionals seeking ethical, practical & effective models for group supervision that enrich and support all group members. It teaches the foundational skills of group supervision, provides tailored supervision frameworks for groups, and equips participants with tools to manage complex group dynamics in supervision.

The workshop is offered in a high quality, hands on learning environment and provides full catering. Participants receive a comprehensive Learner Guide and a Course Certificate upon completion of the day.

Pre-requisites
A minimum of 3 years practice experience; an understanding of what supervision is and familiarity with some supervision frameworks; having received or provided supervision for a minimum of 3 years; a preparedness to participate in and explore group processes as part of training.

Cost = Community Work Australia members receive discounted registration for this training.

View the flyer

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Offered by Karuna Hospice Service

This program has been designed by Karuna to support community workers dealing with workplace grief and loss (namely the death of their clients). The program provides evidence-based strategies at the individual, team and management levels.

The program is delivered via a mixed mode with content delivered both online as well as a three-hour face-to-face training session.

The learning outcomes include:
  • Greater knowledge of the latest grief and loss theory
  • Increased awareness of workplace grief and loss
  • Greater understanding of the impact of workplace grief and loss
  • Increased knowledge of the relationship between workplace grief and loss, burnout and mental health conditions
  • Greater knowledge of evidence-based interventions that support staff at an individual, team and management level

If you are interested in booking a session at your workplace, please email corporate@karuna.org.au or call (07) 3632 8300 to discuss costs, availability etc.

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