This qualification covers workers who provide a range of primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, including specific health care programs, advice and assistance with medication. These workers can be expected to flexibly assume a variety of job roles and undertake a broad range of tasks. This qualification is suited to Australian Apprenticeship pathways.

Occupational titles for these workers may include, for example:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health work is an emerging area of work and occupational titles for those working in this area vary according to jurisdictional and workplace requirements.

Recognition

All workers are to be given the opportunity to have their competencies recognised prior to undertaking any training. Assessment should focus on demonstration of the critical aspects of evidence and underpinning knowledge and skills identified in the units of competency.

Core unitsCertificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice)

BSBWOR204A Use business technology

CHCCS400B Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework

HLTAHW303B Advocate for the rights and needs of community members

HLTAHW401B Assess client's physical well being

HLTAHW402B Assess and support client's social and emotional well being

HLTAHW403B Plan and implement health care in a primary health care context

HLTAHW404B Monitor health care

HLTAHW405B Deliver primary health care programs for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities

HLTAHW406B Work with medicines

HLTAHW407B Provide nutrition guidance for specific health care

Relevant electives

Please note that elective units recommended for Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice) are presented together with electives for Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health (Community Care) and are listed after the core units for the Community Care qualification.

Entry requirements

This qualification is proposed for workers with some breadth and depth of skills and knowledge in assessment and treatment of a wide range of presenting health problems for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities.

Workers seeking enrolment in or credit for this qualification must be able to demonstrate competence in the following units of competency from HLT33207 Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care:

HLTAHW301B Work in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health care context

HLTAHW302B Facilitate communication between clients and service providers

HLTFA301C Apply first aid

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

HLTOHS300B Contribute to OHS processes

Please note Units HLTAHW401B , HLTAHW402B and HLTAHW403B , core units for Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice) include the clinical content requirements of:

HLTAHW304B Undertake basic health assessments

HLTAHW305B Plan and implement basic health care

These units of competency are therefore not listed as entry requirements.

Work application

Certificate IV may be regarded by jurisdictions as the level at which an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker may function independently.

To be assessed as competent in this qualification, individual workers are required to undertake supervised work placements in a primary health care setting, supplemented where required by simulated practical application of skills and knowledge. Individuals must demonstrate consistency of performance over time to achieve competency outcomes.

The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice

All workers undertaking work in health need foundation knowledge to inform their work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and co-workers and with clients and co-workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This foundation must be provided and assessed as part of a holistic approach to delivery and assessment of this qualification. Specific guidelines for assessment of this aspect of competency are provided in the Assessment Guidelines for the Health Training Package.

Not Applicable

Refer to the Topic: Introduction to the Employability Skills Qualification Summaries