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Chaplaincy & Community Services

Schools Chaplaincy Upgrade

The School Chaplaincy Upgrade is a targeted program designed for individuals needing to obtain the two mandatory units for school chaplaincy. This program includes intensive sessions and online assessments, allowing you to complete two key units of competency. By participating in this upgrade, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively respond to student needs and work with individuals dealing with support needs andbmental health issues, while also learning about self-care practices crucial for sustainable ministry. This upgrade is part of the CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care, providing a broader scope of competencies and understanding of pastoral care in schools.

Course Duration
1 Term
Study Modes
Online Intensive, Live Intensive
Study Locations
Online
Start Dates
Term 1 (Jan), Term 2 (Apr), Term 3 (July), Term 4 (Oct)
Fees
$390 per subject
Subjects/Units
2
Speak to enrolment advisorDownload Course Guide

What is the Schools Chaplaincy Upgrade?

The School Chaplaincy Upgrade is a targeted program designed for individuals needing to obtain the two mandatory units for school chaplaincy. This program includes intensive sessions and online assessments, allowing you to complete three key units of competency. By participating in this upgrade, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively respond to student needs and work with individuals dealing with mental health issues, while also learning about self-care practices crucial for sustainable ministry. This upgrade is part of the CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care, providing a broader scope of competencies and understanding of pastoral care in schools.

Who is this for?

•Aspiring School Chaplains: Are you looking to fulfill the mandatory requirements to become a school chaplain?
•Current School Staff: Do you want to enhance your ability to support students and provide effective pastoral care?
•Faith-Driven Educators: Are you passionate about integrating chaplaincy skills into your work within the school community?
•Community and Service-Oriented Individuals: Do you aim to support students and school staff with compassionate care and effective pastoral practices?

Outcomes

Graduates of the School Chaplaincy Upgrade will be well-prepared to apply their enhanced skills in various educational settings. Career opportunities include:
•School Chaplain: Provide spiritual and emotional support to students, staff, and families within educational settings.
•Educational Support Roles: Apply your chaplaincy skills to offer compassionate care and support in mission-driven and non-profit school environments.
•School Wellbeing Officer: Work with students dealing with mental health issues, providing informed and empathetic care.

Studying the Cert IV in Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care at AC was the first course I had ever done which truly felt like 'me'. The course sharpened my skills and taught me so much about professionalism, governance, crisis support, and boundaries around caring for people.

Nadia Lino, Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Graduate

Accreditation

All Alphacrucis Chaplaincy training is endorsed by Chaplaincy Australia.

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
2 Units
To be awarded the School Chaplaincy Upgrade, students must demonstrate competency in both of the following units.
Respond to client needs CHCCCS016

Gain a holistic understanding of client needs. In various cases, people you are supporting may have a range of issues outside and in addition to the area of immediate focus or expertise of the worker and their organisation.

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Work with people with mental health issues CHCMHS001

This unit enables students to support those who have mental health challenges and to ensure the client is empowered and supported and referred to other appropriate services to ensure wellbeing and safety for the client at all times.

Learn More

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.
*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

What people say

  • AC really equipped me to start Chaplaincy Australia in its early years, and empowered me to develop things (key to its success) like its values and organisational structure.

    Anne Iuliano

    Founder, Chaplaincy Australia, Senior Pastor, LifeSource Christian Church

  • The course was practical and the trainers brought their real-life chaplaincy experiences to what was being taught. I felt part of a family within our cohort and recommend this to anyone thinking of being a chaplain, or even anyone in a pastoral role. 

    Alan Findlay

    Chaplaincy

  • I’m doing what I love, which is helping and supporting young people in schools practically and emotionally. I am now leading a team of chaplains who are making a big difference in young people’s lives in schools. 

    Elijah Burrell

    Diploma of Ministry (Chaplaincy)

    • Learning Outcomes

    Not applicable to VET courses.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Unique Student Identifier

    A government issued Unique Student Identifier (USI) Number.

    Statement of Purpose

    A 200-word (maximum length) Statement of Purpose is a short summary of why you wish to study this program.

    Letter of Endorsement

    A formal letter written by a community leader endorsing your suitability for chaplaincy work.

    Working With Children Check (WWCC)

    All students are required to complete the new Working with Children Check (or state equivalent) online before they will be allowed to participate in professional practice subjects.

    Students will be classified as a ‘volunteer’ in Education.

    How to Apply

    • Get Started

      Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

    • Apply

      It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

    • Offer

      We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

    Key Dates
    Semester 1
    Term 1
    February / March
    Term 2
    April
    Semester 2
    Term 3
    July / August
    Term 4
    November