New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Level 5) Applied Practice
Social Services
A course by
Careerforce
The New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Level 5) Applied Practice is designed for advanced support workers who develop, implement, and review plans to support people with complex needs, working across a range of community, disability, mental health, and social service contexts. It combines on-the-job learning with a strong emphasis on applied practice.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
It will take a total of 87 weeks


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More detailsUnlock these abilities

Demonstrate advanced, client-focused practice
Work independently with a focus on client needs, applying knowledge to complex and dynamic situations.

Collaborate across professional and cultural contexts
Work alongside tangata whenua, professionals, agencies, and clients from diverse backgrounds.

Develop and review practice plans
Create, implement, and assess case-based plans to support individuals with complex needs.
What You're Signing Up For
This diploma qualifies advanced support workers to operate independently, collaborate with professionals, and support diverse people and whānau with complex needs. It develops competencies in client-focused independent practice, continuous improvement, working alongside tangata whenua and diverse cultures, and understanding statutory requirements. Learners choose a specialisation such as community housing, disability support, financial mentoring, mental health services, positive behaviour support, youth support, and others. The programme requires a minimum of 200 hours of practical work and is not suitable for aged care sector employees.
Course Content
- Client-focused advanced practice
- Independent work and continuous improvement
- Working alongside tangata whenua
- Supporting people from diverse backgrounds
- Developing, implementing, and reviewing support plans
- Collaborating with professionals and agencies
- Statutory responsibilities and sector developments
- Applied models, theories, and approaches in support work
- 200 hours authentic in-role practical evidence
- Specialisations in areas such as: Community and Public Housing, Disability Support, Financial Mentoring, Violence Intervention, Mental Health (Community, Addiction, Peer/Forensic), Positive Behaviour Support, Reintegration/Rehabilitation, Trauma Informed Care, Whānau Support, Youth Support, Employment Support
What you need to know first
Preferred: A relevant New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) qualification; or demonstration of equivalent skills and knowledge.
Must be employed in a relevant role aligned with one of the available contexts
Employer support required for enrolment

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Health and Wellbeing
Community Support
Disability Support
Social Services
Mental Health
Youth Support
Financial Mentoring

Future employment opportunities might be
Advanced support worker roles
Consumer advocacy
Victim support
Community navigation roles
Violence intervention
Play specialist roles
Youth support roles
Reintegration/rehabilitation support


Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details