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Mental Health Social Workers are registered social workers who specialise in mental health interventions, counselling, psychoeducation, and therapeutic group work. They have completed specialist training in mental health practice through the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and help their clients heal and recover from mental illness and trauma.
As a Mental Health Social Worker you could be carrying out casework at an indigenous community, helping a client manage daily stresses and anxiety so they can find long-term employment, supporting a homeless client with mental health issues, leading group therapy sessions for young people with addictions, or just taking some time-out for self-care and rejuvination.
There are 8 courses available for people who want to become a Mental Health Social Worker. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is for students wanting to work or volunteer providing support to people affected by mental illness or have a psychiatric disability. Students complete 15 units which focus heavily on foundation interpersonal skills such as building relationships, working collaboratively, and working with diverse cultural groups. Additionally, students graduate with practical skills and knowledge in trauma informed care, drug and alcohol issues affecting mental health and staying safe at work. To graduate and receive the qualification, each student must complete at least 80 hours of relevant work. The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package..
Average duration: 12 months.
A Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 is perfect for students seeking careers as community services workers supporting people with mental health issues. Students learn about working collaboratively, maintaining personal safety, helping people affected by drugs and alcohol, facilitating recovery, as well as managing grief and trauma. The Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package..
The Diploma of Counselling is suitable for students seeking careers as counsellors working with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling modalities. Students graduate ready to work in supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice. Students will learn about communication, micro-counselling and interviewing skills and how to draw on varied counselling therapies to assist clients..
Average duration: 24 months.
The Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC43215) is an entry level qualification for students wanting to work or volunteer providing services and interventions to clients with alcohol or drug issues. During the course, students complete 17 units with a lot of focus on interpersonal skills, communication and relationship building. Students learn the foundational information, techniques, procedures and practices needed to assess clients with alcohol or other drug issues, provide interventions, as well as review treatment plans. The Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC43215) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package..
A Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs CHC53215 is great for students seeking a career as drug and alcohol counsellors. This is a high-end qualification and students complete 22 units across workplace management and first aid, counselling, and providing add-on services like relapse prevention and performing interventions. The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs CHC53215 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package..
The average salary for qualified Social Workers in Australia is currently $1,736 per week ($90,272 annually). Mental Health Social Workers can expect to earn more than this.
There are 35,000 social workers currently employed in Australia, some of these are Mental Health Social Workers. This is a growth occupation and job opportunities are expected to increase by more than 23% over the next 3-5 years.
To become a Mental Health Social Worker you will need to complete a Bachelor of Social Work as well as the mental health credential training through the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). If you hold a degree in another discipline, you can launch your career change with the Master of Social Work.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
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Here are some potential career pathways within allied health, counselling and mental health. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Allied Health
Allied Health Assistant
$960 weekly pay
Allied Health Professional
Medical Imaging Assistant
$1,050 weekly pay
Anaesthetic Technician
$1,250 weekly pay
Cardiac Technician
Health Informatician
Healthcare Social Worker
$1,736 weekly pay
Hospital Social Worker
Mental Health Social Worker
Mental Health Support Worker
Paediatric Speech Pathologist
$1,850 weekly pay
Palliative Care Social Worker
Respiratory Therapist
$1,340 weekly pay
Speech Pathologist
$1,530 weekly pay
Speech Therapist
$1,875 weekly pay
Sports Therapist
Vision Therapist
$1,215 weekly pay
Aged Care Social Worker
Anaesthetist
$3,500 weekly pay
Cardiac Scientist
$1,500 weekly pay
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiotherapist
Exercise Scientist
Genetic Counsellor
$2,307 weekly pay
Global Health Advisor
$2,212 weekly pay
Hospital Scientist
Nutritional Therapist
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
$1,749 weekly pay
Rehabilitation Consultant
Counselling
Support Worker
Art Therapist
Counsellor
$1,450 weekly pay
Crisis Support Worker
Family Counsellor
$1,150 weekly pay
Grief Counsellor
$1,652 weekly pay
Life Coach
Marriage Counsellor
Mental Health Clinician
Mental Health Counsellor
$1,635 weekly pay
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental Health Worker
$1,440 weekly pay
Music Therapist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Relationship Counsellor
Social Worker
Student Counsellor
Substance Abuse Counsellor
Youth Counsellor
Career Counsellor
$2,115 weekly pay
Crisis Counsellor
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
$1,920 weekly pay
Guidance Counsellor
Mental Health
Intake Worker
$1,350 weekly pay
Mental Health Advocate
Mental Health Case Manager
Mental Health Nurse
$1,540 weekly pay
Mental Health Specialist
$1,760 weekly pay
Peer Support Worker
Wellbeing Coordinator