Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set
Nationally Recognised Qualification
Course Overview
The CHCSS00093 - Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set provides the essential skills and knowledge to support individuals, families, and communities affected by alcohol and drug issues. This course prepares you for entry-level roles in the drug and alcohol support sector or for further study in this field. You'll learn about the effects of substances, relevant legal and ethical frameworks, and how to implement interventions and monitor progress, making it a strong foundation for a rewarding career in community services.
What You’ll Learn
This nationally recognised skill set equips you with the core competencies needed to support individuals affected by alcohol and other drugs (AOD). Ideal for those entering the sector or upskilling in community services, you’ll learn to:
Understand the AOD service context – including the impacts of substance use, service models, and harm minimisation strategies
Assess client needs in AOD settings – gathering information and identifying risks to inform support planning
Provide targeted AOD interventions – using evidence-based techniques to support behaviour change and recovery
Develop and review individualised treatment plans – ensuring care is tailored, person-centred, and responsive to evolving client needs
With a strong focus on practical application, this skill set prepares you to confidently step into AOD-related roles or enhance your effectiveness in community, mental health, or youth support work.
Studying with Upskilled
What's Included?
By choosing Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set, you'll gain access to resources that enhance your online learning experience, making it interactive and engaging:
Modules
To satisfy the requirements of this qualification, you'll need to complete the following units of competency.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with clients to establish treatment goals, and to develop and evaluate individual treatment plans to meet those goals. This unit applies to workers who develop treatment plans with, and for, clients with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues on the basis of an existing assessment and within established organisation guidelines.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish and work within the current context, philosophy and values of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector. This unit applies to workers who come into contact with clients affected by alcohol and other drugs.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to confirm, conduct and monitor intervention strategies to address alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues. This unit applies to workers who provide support to people with AOD issues within the scope of an established individual treatment plan. Interventions would be ongoing and be conducted under the guidance of a supervisor.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and conduct assessments of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) clients to determine eligibility, service requirements and referral needs. This includes knowledge of factors affecting assessment for a range of different client groups including different genders, youth, older people, mandated and voluntary clients, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Career Outcomes
Possible Careers
Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue the following career outcomes.
Industry Outlook
Discover why Community Services is a vital and rewarding field, making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Salary
$60k - $82K Annual Salary
Jobs
88,500
Payment Options
Our Trainers
Upskilled Community Service trainers are industry professionals with extensive experience and expertise, dedicated to providing practical, hands-on learning. They are committed to helping students develop the skills to succeed in the impactful and evolving community services industry.
Hear from our past students
Recently started the Diploma of Counselling. Can't thank Upskilled and all staff enough. I was hesitant.at first but it was always something i have wanted to do. Have been involved in education and it has been a part of the job but have always wanted to do it as a profession. The education staff have been so supportive and instructional creating a great learning and interactive environment. Looking forward to studying more and making mistakes as thats how I learn and progress.
Special thank you to Jo one of the Education Consultants. He was informative. friendly, knowledgeable about the course and study. Didn't feel pressured just helped me navigate options and left it up to me to decide. So glad he rang after I expressed interest in commencing studies again after a long time.
My Experience with upskilled's coordinator Mr Ronnie, is absolutely amazing, his such a great teacher and his explanation in regarding the course are very clear and very helpful. Since I started he was always there when needed help with the course. Mr Ronnie makes you understand how to reach your goal of understanding of each session and the progress is very successful. Keep up with the good work Ronnie, and i recommend Upskilled's and Ronnie to every student and do not hesitate to contact all staff there as there a very grateful and will attend helping you straight away. One more think, I wouldn't be able to do this with out you (Ronnie) helping and supporting me, overall his fantastic. I look forward to the next meeting.
I really enjoyed studying the Diploma in Counselling this was such a great course. I loved the interaction with people and learning new aspects of counselling. I have learnt so much that going onto the next faze of my studying will help me tremendously after doing this course.
My trainer Ronnie was very supportive and helpful and was always available when needed, he offered great feedback and encouraged role playing as much as possible.
How to enrol
What you need to know
Entry Requirements
The following are entry requirements for this course, you must:
- Hold a qualification in Certificate III or higher in community services, health or related field or
- Have skills equivalent to the qualification requirements validated through as recognition of prior learning process or
- Have substantial industry experience, on the job training and development along with supervisor assessment of capacity.
To make sure you get the most out of training with us, the following enrolment process applies:
- Once you have inquired, one of our friendly Education Consultants will contact you to ensure you have the right pre-existing knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification.
- A short language, literacy and numeracy assessment will need to be completed upon enrolment.
Recommended Skills and Resources:
- Have the ability to read and write in English and display numeracy skills up to a minimum level of Year 12.
- Have access to a modern computer with high-speed internet.
- Have access to a device with audio/video recording and playback capabilities.
- Have basic computing skills, including the ability to make and upload short videos.
Self-Paced Learning and Course Duration
Upskilled's flexible, self-paced courses let you balance personal and work schedules. With a training plan to keep you on track, most students complete the course in 12-18 months, but motivated learners can finish faster. Speak with an Education Consultant to discuss your study and completion goals.
Assessment
This course will have you undertake summative and formative assessments, write reports and/or create a portfolio, and participate in role-playing scenarios. You'll also be working on a variety of projects that require your own research as well as answering various written/oral questions that apply the theory you learn into practice.
Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit Transfer
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) with supporting evidence of prior education or work experience. This can reduce your study load or course duration. Speak with your Education Consultant before enrolment for details, or download the application from MyUpskilled after enrolment. A trainer will assess your eligibility.
Work in a simulated workplace
Upskilled's CHCSS00093 - Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set includes a simulated workplace through our customised learning platform, providing practical skills and knowledge for the drug and alcohol support sector. This simulated environment allows you to work on real-world tasks and apply your learning to assessment tasks, equipping you with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in this field.
Dedicated Community Service Trainers
Upskilled's community services trainers bring comprehensive skills and industry experience to prepare you for a rewarding career. They approach training with empathy, compassion, and openness, helping you develop job-ready skills. Support includes recorded assessment walkthroughs, academic support sessions, additional resources, professional development opportunities, peer support, practical practice sessions via Zoom, and online recorded training.
FAQs
The CHCSS00093 - Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set is a training program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to support individuals, families, and communities affected by alcohol and drug issues. It serves as a steppingstone towards a rewarding career in the community services sector, particularly in drug and alcohol support roles.
This skill set is suitable for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the drug and alcohol support sector. It is designed for beginners and can be an excellent starting point for those just beginning their careers, changing careers, or anyone wanting to upskill in this area. This skill set equips individuals with general skills and knowledge required to support individuals affected by drug and alcohol addiction.
Yes, by completing the CHCSS00093 - Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set, you will be well-prepared to pursue further study in the alcohol and other drugs sector or gain employment in a range of drug and alcohol support roles. Employers value individuals with project management skills, particularly in work environments where multiple projects need to be managed effectively to produce successful outcomes.
There are no specific prerequisites for enrolling in the CHCSS00093 - Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set. However, it is recommended for individuals working in project support roles or other roles where project management skills are required. Please consult with an Education Consultant or the specific training provider for detailed entry requirements.
Yes, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) may be available if you have supporting evidence of prior education and work experience. This can potentially reduce your study load or shorten the duration of the course. Please speak with your Education Consultant or contact Student Support for further details on the RPL and/or CT assessment process.
To enrol in CHCSS00093 - Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set, you must first submit an enquiry form through our website. You'll be asked to provide basic information about yourself: including your name, email address, and phone number.
Once you've completed and submitted your form, one of our education consultants will get in touch within 48 hours. You will then be assessed on your suitability for the course (i.e. questions on your current experience, skill set, and knowledge). At this stage, you'll also have the opportunity to enquire on payment options, training materials, and the online learning experience.