Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: HWSS6083C

Course Title: Work in an alcohol and other drugs context

Important Information:

This course is delivered and assessed as a stand-alone unit. 

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4429 - Certificate IV in Youth Work

Course Contact: Dianne Mackay

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254454

Course Contact Email: dianne.mackay@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 80

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course, you will develop the skills and knowledge required to establish and work with young people within the current context, philosophy and values of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector. This unit applies to youth workers who come in contact with clients affected by alcohol and other drugs.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context

Element:

1.1 Research, analyse and maintain up-to-date knowledge and awareness of the social, political, economic and legal contexts of AOD 1.2 Research and analyse impacts of AOD policy frameworks on AOD work practice 1.3 Apply understanding of the historical and social constructs of alcohol and drugs and the changes in alcohol and drug use

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Research, analyse and maintain up-to-date knowledge and awareness of the social, political, economic and legal contexts of AOD 1.2 Research and analyse impacts of AOD policy frameworks on AOD work practice 1.3 Apply understanding of the historical and social constructs of alcohol and drugs and the changes in alcohol and drug use

Element:

2.1 Apply knowledge of broad and specific AOD contexts to AOD work practice 2.2 Identify and use legal frameworks that impact on AOD work 2.3 Identify, review and apply information about evidence based models and frameworks of AOD work

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Apply knowledge of broad and specific AOD contexts to AOD work practice 2.2 Identify and use legal frameworks that impact on AOD work 2.3 Identify, review and apply information about evidence based models and frameworks of AOD work

Element:

3.1 Assess AOD practice values and ensure support and interventions are person-centred 3.2 Apply a harm minimisation approach to maximise support for the AOD client 3.3 Support the client's rights and safety, including access and equity of services

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Assess AOD practice values and ensure support and interventions are person-centred 3.2 Apply a harm minimisation approach to maximise support for the AOD client 3.3 Support the client's rights and safety, including access and equity of services

Element:

4.1 Reflect on personal values and attitudes regarding AOD use and acknowledge their potential impact when working in AOD contexts 4.2 Apply awareness of organisations' values 4.3 Consider client values in determining interventions and supports

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Reflect on personal values and attitudes regarding AOD use and acknowledge their potential impact when working in AOD contexts 4.2 Apply awareness of organisations' values 4.3 Consider client values in determining interventions and supports


Learning Outcomes


In this course, you will develop the skills and knowledge required to establish and work with young people within the current context, philosophy and values of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector. This unit applies to youth workers who come in contact with clients affected by alcohol and other drugs. On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency.


Details of Learning Activities

This course will have face to face on campus sessions

In-class activities:

Teacher directed classroom learning activities

teacher directed group activities/projects

group discussion

class activities to review discussions/lectures

role play

Guest Speakers

Out-of-class activities:

independent assessment -based work,

Reading and research

independent study

 

  


Teaching Schedule

WeekTopicAssessment / Learning activities
Week 7 - Three classes

Intro to Services Service provision : Current modes of practice

Policy frameworks

History of AOD in Australia

Explores the AOD sector, models of dependence, community development and relevant legislation

Introduction to why ppl use substances / use and effect

Underpinning  Philosophy and values

Context within which we understand AOD issues in society

Ethical considerations of working in industry

Ethics and boundaries

Statutory responsibilities

Learning activity

Assessment task 1: Research & Evaluation Task

Week 8 - Three classes

Evidence based models

Person centred approaches

Access and Equity issues

Evidence based

    • Support and interventions
    • Identify, review and apply information about evidence based models and frameworks of AOD work
    • Organisational values
    • Client values
    • Personal values
    • How do these impact on service delivery and client outcomes.

Assessment task 2: Case studies

 

 

Week 9 - Three classes

Basic intro to why people use, support services/withdrawal options : Substances/withdrawal

Drug Types: licit/illicit

Harm reduction strategies  AT3 discussion

Overview of AOD content covered & Assessment tasks class discussion & preparation

Assessment task 3: Online quiz
 

Delivery of role plays in class

Finalising assessment & support for students with elp's & special consideration

Review key concepts, check for gaps in knowledge

Identifying own strengths and areas for development

Assessment task 4 Role Plays


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through: 

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through: 

The Learning Lab  https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

The Study Support Hub   https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub

English for uni workshops  https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops

  


Overview of Assessment

This course is delivered and assessed as a stand-alone unit. 

Students are given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic. Resubmissions beyond two (2) attempts are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency.  To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.  You will be given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic. Resubmissions beyond two (2) attempts are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator. 

Assessment task 1 -Product-Research and evaluation Task

Assessment task 2 - Product-Case studies

Assessment task 3 - Knowledge-Online quiz

Assessment task 4 - Practical Role plays


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required. 

  

The assessment Rubric is Available in Canvas. 

  

Other Information

Attendance: 

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises  

You are required to attend a minimum of 80% of all classes to successfully complete each unit and all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

information about your studies: 

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.   https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days in writing (email) to your Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.

Special consideration:

If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:  

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.  https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:  

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.   

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.  https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview