Expert, Customised, Evidence-Based and ACT Specific ATOD Training and Education

The training courses below are suitable for workers and services from the following sectors and areas inclusively:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
• Ambulance
• Care and Protection
• Community Services
• Disability
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Housing and Homelessness
• Justice Services
• Mental Health
• Police
• Youth
• Teachers and Educators
• Hospital based, maternal and health care nurses
• Reception staff
• Other sectors supporting people who may be experiencing alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues

1- Alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) information and harm reduction training

This one-day training provides an orientation to the ATOD sector and cover topics such as:

• Introduction to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in Australia
• Policies in the ACT and Australia
• How drugs are used
• Statistics and data
• Introduction to harm minimisation
• Harm reduction and safety information and strategies
• ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector orientation and referrals

A condensed (half-day) version can be provided for workers who actively work in the field and are looking for a refresher on some key substances of concern, current data and developments in harm reduction information.

2- Screening and brief intervention 

• Evidence for and introduction to screening
• Training in the ACT eASSIST (the only screening tool to include alcohol, tobacco and other drugs)
• Basic information on how to conduct a brief intervention
• ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector orientation and referrals

A number of options or available for screening and brief intervention training (and its duration) based on the existing skills and experiences of workers.

Services who participate in this training can contact ATODA to gain access to the ACT eASSIST, which is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug screening and brief intervention tool adapted specifically to include ACT referrals.  For further information see: http://www.atoda.org.au/projects/act-atod-eassist/

3- Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (multiple days)

Through the ACT ATOD Qualification Strategy, ATODA offers workers from ACT Health funded alcohol and drug agencies full subsidies for Certificate IV qualifications.  Allied sectors can engage on a fee for service basis, with some subsidies available.

The training provided by ATODA to complete the Certificate IV in AOD comprises three courses:

• AOD Skill Set
• Remaining Units
• First Aid training

The AOD Skill Set provides the knowledge and skills required for work with clients with alcohol and other drugs issues. It comprises four units:

• CHCAOD001: Work in an AOD context
• CHCAOD004: Assess the needs of clients with AOD issues
• CHCAOD006: Provide interventions for people with AOD issues
• CHCAOD009: Develop and review individual AOD treatment plans

These units may provide credit towards a number of community sector qualifications at Certificate IV level or above.

The Remaining Units consist in the non-AOD content (12 core and elective units) of the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and only workers in the specialist ATOD sector that do not have existing health, social or behavioural science tertiary qualifications are required to undertake this training.

The First Aid course provides qualification equivalent to the following units:

• HLTAID001: Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• HLTAID002: Provide basic emergency life support
• HLTAID003: Provide first aid

For more information see the Qualification Strategy page at www.atoda.org.au/projects/qs

4- Customised training (half, full and multiple days)

Additional types of customised, expert training can be provided according to the training needs of your organisation. Please ensure Section D – page 7 of the Training Needs Information Package and Assessment Form is completed to assist with this process.

Costs for training will be dependent on the length of the course as well as whether a request has been made for content customisation. A quote for the training will be provided once a completed Training Needs Information Package and Assessment Form has been received.

Costs for the training requested will be calculated once the training needs have been assessed and identified. The price of the training will be inclusive of trainer resources, training preparation (for customised training) as well as any requests for further training evaluation (see Section E – page 8 of the Training Needs Information Package and Assessment Form ). In addition:

• Discounts and incentives may be applicable for ATODA member organisations
• Host agencies will need to provide their own venue with a suitable training room and catering (if this is not possible, ATODA can provide support on a cost recovery basis)
• Course materials, including evaluations forms, will be provided to the host agency by ATODA in advance to copy for participants
• A projector and access to a screen or projecting space will need to be provided by the host agency (if not available ATODA can provide support)
• Deposit requirements, payment schedules and refund conditions will be sent once the training course will be identified

Annie Bleeker

Annie has worked in the HIV/AIDS and alcohol and other drugs sector since 1990. She is a dynamic and engaging trainer and facilitator. Annie’s unique skill is her ability to connect with and engage audiences from different countries, cultures and demographics. She has taught and facilitated workshops on a variety of topics all over Australia and internationally: in places as diverse as Indonesia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Turkey and the Netherlands. For further information and full bio see: http://www.anniebleeker.com

Uniting Care ReGen

ReGen is a Registered Training Organisation that provides a comprehensive service informed by the latest research and drawing on practical experience and insights gained from direct service delivery. The ReGen training team consists of a highly qualified and diverse staff group that offer customised programs tailors to the specific needs of clients, organisations and community groups. For further information see: http://www.regen.org.au

St John Ambulance ACT

St John Ambulance Australia is a self-funding charitable organisation active in all States and Territories, dedicated to helping people in sickness, distress, suffering or danger. St John provides: First aid training; First aid kits and components; First aid services at community and public events and assistance during national disaster relief, through volunteers; a range of community care services for the aged, the infirm, the immobile and the lonely; a national youth development program for young people aged 8 to 18 years; and public access defibrillators throughout the Australian community. They have been active in Australia for over 125 years and internationally are part of a wider organisation with a long and honorable history. For further information see: http://www.stjohnact.com.au/

Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC)

The Sydney MSIC is Australia’s only medically supervised injecting centre and their team of highly skills trainers offer interactive and specialised training in the field of injecting drug use. Their training sessions provide knowledge, skills and confidence to empower attendees to work effectively with people who use drugs. Their training sessions are interactive, engaging and customisable to the needs of your organisation. For further information see: http://www.sydneymsic.com

The Centre for Community Welfare Training (CCWT)

CCWT provide nationally recognised training courses and are the largest non- government training provider for the community sector in NSW. The objective of CCWT is to deliver professional learning that transforms people and communities for a better society. They offer a comprehensive range of nationally recognised courses as well as tailored learning and development solutions. For further information see: http://www.acwa.asn.au

Odyssey House

Odyssey House Victoria has over 30 years of experience providing Alcohol and Other Drugs treatment and is a Registered Training Organisation. Through its research and training, Odyssey House has a best practice, evidence-based approach to quality education. Their training team have extensive clinical experience and are able to meet training and workforce development needs through tailored workshops across a range of topics. For further information see: https://www.odysseyhouse.com.au

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)

CIT has 90 year history providing technical and further education in the ACT and surrounding area. Today, it trains around 20,000 students each year, touching more lives post- secondary school than any other tertiary education institution in the ACT. Offering apprenticeships and certificate level training through to diplomas, bachelor degrees and graduate certificates. For further information see: https://cit.edu.au/

A range of agencies have engaged with ATODA for education and training in the past, including:

• Alcohol and Drug Services, ACT Government Health Directorate
• CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn
• Companion House
• Department of Justice and Community Safety
• Directions
• Domestic Violence Crisis Service
• Karralika Programs Inc.
• Mental Health ACT
• Mental Health Community Coalition ACT
• Mental Health Foundation
• Salvation Army
• St Vincent de Paul Society
• Street Law
• Ted Noffs Foundation
• Toora Women Inc.
• Youth Coalition of the ACT
• Youth Justice

For further information and to book training please refer to the Training Needs Information Package and Assessment Form or contact ATODA on:

email: info@atoda.org.au
phone: (02) 6249 6358
fax: (02) 6230 0919