National Diploma in Mental Health (Mental Health Support Work) (Level 6)

The National Diploma in Mental Health (Mental Health Support Work) (Level 6) [Ref: 1299] follows on from the National Certificate in Mental Health (Mental Health Support Work) (Level 4) [Ref: 0431].

This National Diploma is designed for people who have already developed or wish to develop a higher level of competence in mental health support work than is covered by the National Certificate. These mental health support workers may have more seniority in the workplace, carry a higher level of responsibility, and engage in more complex relationships with consumers/tangata whai ora. They may also lead a team of mental health workers.

The National Diploma acknowledges the skills of those already in the workplace who work safely with consumers/tangata whai ora, and requires those who wish to obtain this qualification to demonstrate competence through theoretical learning and practical experience in the workplace with consumers/tangata whai ora and their families/whanau.

The National Diploma is based upon a recovery approach to mental health support work.

Mental health support workers support consumers/tangata whai ora to achieve their recovery goals, provide support to their families/whanau, support consumers/tangata whai ora to manage their use of alcohol or other drugs, and support mental health consumers/tangata whai ora to access employment support services. They are able to analyse discrimination, and implement an individual advocacy strategy and a strategy at a community or societal level to respond to discrimination against consumers/tangata whai ora. Their mental health support work practice is informed by an understanding of ethical values. They can explain legal structures and laws for mental health support work, and explain and apply knowledge of human development and health issues. They can also critique and interpret a research project relevant to a mental health service user group, and analyse leadership and lead a group or team to achieve mental health support work objectives. Mental health support workers at this level of competence also demonstrate an integrated practice theory for mental health support work.

Mental health support workers work within a framework for practice informed by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ethical standards, health standards, service specifications, and legislation.

Some standards in the National Certificate in Mental Health (Mental Health Support Work) (Level 4) [Ref: 0431] are included in this National Diploma because they are essential competencies for mental health support workers, or because they are recommended for entry to other standards in this qualification. Candidates who have completed the National Certificate will have already been awarded 55 credits towards this qualification.

At present there is no higher level qualification in mental health support work, but people who have completed this qualification could seek entry into other higher level qualifications on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications.

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.