Mental Health Coordinating Council

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2012 Scholarships - extended until May 18th

Scholarship places are now available in the Diploma of Mental Health/AOD, Cert IV Mental Health, Community Sector Management, Clinical and Training and Assessment streams. Applications for these scholarships open on March 19 2012 and close on May 18 2012.

Professional Development Scholarship Program

Overview

The Professional Development Scholarship Program (PDSP) is a 3 year initiative running from 2010 – 2012. It is funded by NSW Health Department and is administered by Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC). The PDSP aims to encourage workers to undertake training in a variety of areas to build capacity within the sector and improve long-term outcomes for consumers. There are currently a number of scholarships available through the PDSP. Each scholarship targets different parts of the sector including staff, managers, carers and consumers.

Applications

Applications for scholarships open March 19 2012.

Value of scholarship

All scholarships are worth up to $2000 and go towards study fees and some associated costs, except for Clinical degree courses which are up to $5000. Where fees are less than the scholarship amount, the scholarship payment may be reduced to reflect the fee amount. This will be done on a case by case basis. Successful applicants can use the scholarship money at any Registered Training Organisation including MHCC, TAFE or university that offers these courses. Scholarships will be available through a number of streams and eligibility will vary according to the focus of that stream.

Scholarship streams include:

Certificate IV in Mental Health Stream - $2000

This scholarship stream is for use in the Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC40508 course. This course is identified by the sector as an appropriate voluntary minimal qualification. This stream suits workers in community organisations (non-government, not for profit) in a mental health role or who work extensively with people with mental health issues.
Link to Handbook    Link to Application    Link to Claim Guide    Link to Claim Form    Link to FAQs

Diploma Stream - $2000

This scholarship stream can be used for either the Diploma of Community Services (Mental health) CHC50308 or the Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health) CHC50408. These courses tackle the complex skills required when working with people with mental health and AOD issues and suits workers in the community sector (non-government, not for profit) with some experience or related qualification. Both courses are new and nationally recognised. MHCC offers this course.
Link to Handbook    Link to Application    Link to Claim Guide    Link to Claim Form    Link to FAQs

Management Stream - $2000

This scholarship stream is for use in the Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management CHC60308. This qualification suits workers in the community sector (non-government, not for profit) who are in a managerial or leadership role within their organisation or are working towards a managerial role with the support of their organisation. 
Link to Handbook    Link to Application    Link to Claim Guide    Link to Claim Form    Link to FAQs

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Stream - $2000

This scholarship stream is for use in Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAA40104/ TAE40110. The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Stream aims to build workforce capacity within the sector and targets experienced workers wanting to gain a training qualification. The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course is the qualification required to become a trainer and assessor in the workplace or within the vocational education and training (VET) sector. This scholarship is aimed at people who are working in a mental health role within a community organisation (non for profit, non-government) in a mental health specific service/program or who work in a community organisation (not for profit, non-government) where they work extensively with people with mental health problems.
Link to Handbook    Link to Application    Link to Claim Guide    Link to Claim Form    Link to FAQs

Clinical Pathway Stream - $5000

This stream creates career pathways into higher education for people working in community organisations. This stream suits workers who wish to attain a relevant higher education qualification, including those with a VET related qualification or workers who have partially completed a relevant higher education qualification and would like to complete it. Avenues include mental health related courses and clinical qualifications such as nursing, occupational therapy, social work and psychology. 
Link to Handbook    Link to Application    Link to Claim Guide    Link to Claim Form    Link to FAQs

Eligibility Criteria

Scholarships will be open to a range of workers in community organisations (non government, not for profit) whose primary role has a strong focus on working with clients with mental health issues. Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and be able to study in 2011. Each stream has additional selection criteria specific to that stream. You will find a more detailed explanation of eligibility criteria within the handbook for that stream.

How to apply

Each stream has a separate handbook and application form. You must read the handbook before filling out an application form to ensure you are eligible to apply. You can read the handbook and download an online application form by clicking on the scholarship stream. If you have any questions after you have read the handbook call (02) 9555 8388 ext 116.