Training
Peer Support Training
Description of the Certificate IV in Peer Support
The Certificate IV in Peer Support is a Nationally Accredited Course.
The Certificate IV in Peer Support has been developed by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) and was the first accredited peer support training program in Australia. The accreditation of peer support training validates both the importance of the peer support role and the combination of personal qualities, skills and abilities that the role requires. The Certificate IV in Peer Support provides a uniform foundation for the development of advanced skills. An accredited peer support program also provides an alternative career pathway for peer supporters who may wish to become mental health care professionals.
The Certificate IV in Peer Support was specifically developed to meet the peer support training needs of the QFRS. However, the Units of Competency have been written in generic terms making them relevant to any organisation with/or planning to develop a peer support program e.g. prisons and banks.
The Certificate IV in Peer Support is a three-phase program encompassing a total of 200 hours. It involves independent study, face-to-face delivery and workplace practice.
Phase 1
Phase 1 of the Certificate IV in Peer Support is an intensive selection process.
- Prospective Peer Support Officers are asked to complete a 360º evaluation.
- Approval is sought from the applicant’s manager and the regional Peer Support network.
- Applicants are required to complete a self-paced learning package in order to evaluate their interpersonal and intrapersonal practice to determine their suitability for the peer support role.
- Applicants are required to attend a counsellor interview where the four 360º evaluations and the workbook are discussed.
Phase 2
Phase 2 comprises a five-day residential induction workshop.
Face-to-face delivery provides for both knowledge and skills development in a range of key areas e.g. communication, stress management, loss and grief, group dynamics, critical incidents, Critical Incident Stress Management.
The participant must be present for the complete five days.
Phase 3
Phase 3 comprises six months work experience for the probationary Peer Support Officer.
It is during this period that probationary Peer Support Officers are required to fulfil the required assessments to meet the competencies of the Certificate IV in Peer Support.
There are a total of fourteen activities to be completed, most of which are very practically based. This evidence is then assessed against the requirements of the Units of Competency.
NB: The decision to continue the application at all stages of the process will be at the discretion of the Manager, FireCare.
General Training
Examples of training sessions delivered to QFRS staff include:
- Information sessions about FireCare
- Stress management
- Communication skills
- Management Tools for Staff well-being
- CISM Strategic Response to Crisis
- CISM Group Intervention
- Handy Hints for Deployment
- Injury in the Workplace – Early Intervention Protocol for Managers
- The development of CISM Disaster Response Teams within QFRS
Please note this is not an exhaustive list, courses can be developed to meet the specific needs of staff.
For further information please contact FireCare on 3006 4584 or email qfrsfirecare@emergency.qld.gov.au
Last updated 06 March 2008
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