There has never been a greater need for mental health workers.
The number of people with a mental health issue in Australia continues to increase, putting pressure on our community support teams to meet the demand. While multiple public and private organisations work on prevention methods, the nation still needs more people working in the sector as mental health workers to accommodate those who need support. But how do you become a mental health worker?
If you’re thinking about starting a rewarding career in this growth sector, read on. Our article explains the facts about working in this industry, including details of the best mental health worker qualifications to prepare you for employment.
Table of Contents
- Mental Health in 2024: The Facts
- Working in Mental Health: Skills and Qualifications
- Mental Health Worker Courses
- What’s it REALLY Like Working in Mental Health
- Studying Mental Health with Collaboration Learning
Mental Health in 2024: The Facts
There is no shying away from the fact more people than ever are struggling with their mental health.
A recent study by the Australian Institue of Health and Welfare found that a staggering 48% of participants had experienced mental illness at some point in their life.
Current figures report suggest around 1 in 5 adults are currently suffering from mental health issues and 1 in 7 children.
The situation is said to be the result of several key factors, including:
- The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Economic uncertainty, job insecurity, and the rising cost of living
- Modern lifestyles, increased use of technology, and social media influence
- Climate Change and environmental issues
- Political and social unrest globally
- Workplace stress caused by poor work-life balance
- The rise in substance abuse and addiction issues
- In children, significant pressures related to academic performance.
Despite increased initiatives designed to combat mental health issues – government campaigns, workplace programs and counselling services for adults and young people – these issues in our society proliferate. This means the support mechanisms to help cope with the problem must grow with them.
Working in Mental Health: Skills and Qualifications
Mental health is such a broad topic. It affects people in varying ways – some suffer from mental health issues mildly and temporarily, and others experience ongoing issues that are much more complex and a challenge to resolve.
As you might imagine, working in mental health requires highly skilled people to support clients precisely as required.
Mental health worker skills
To work in mental health, you will need a broad range of skills to equip yourself for the high demands of the job.
Personal skills include patience, good communication, empathy and resilience. This is often a high-pressure environment, and you must have the ability to keep your composure and stay calm in any situation. Having a positive outlook is critical to this type of work, as you look to influence others who often feel quite the opposite.
Practical skills include a solid understanding of various mental health disorders, their symptoms, and treatments. You also need to know how to document client interactions accurately, make assessments, create treatment plans and track progress. Mental health workers support clients from all walks of life and must be respectful of diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values.
Mental health worker qualifications
While you might already possess the personal skills for mental health work, you will need to acquire the practical skills, and this means completing a formal qualification to get started. A qualification is two-fold; besides giving you the practical skills to work in the sector, it assures employers and clients you are equipped to meet the demands of mental health work, preserving the quality of life for your clients and yourself.
A government report in 2020 found that all mental health workers must have a Certificate IV level qualification to become eligible for employment.
Mental Health Worker Courses
In Australia, the entry point to mental health work is the Certificate IV in Mental Health course.
Certificate IV in Mental Health
This is a nationally recognised course that teaches students a range of practical skills required for mental health work. It includes eleven core and four elective units and takes approximately 12-18 months to complete, depending on individual circumstances. Afterwards, students are equipped to:
- Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
- Provide recovery-oriented mental health services
- Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drug issues
- Collaborate with other care services
- Work legally and ethically*
There are no entry requirements for this course, although it is preferred that students have already completed a School Certificate or higher.
Once you have completed your Certificate IV in Mental Health, you can look for employment or continue with another mental health course, such as a diploma or a degree.
What it’s REALLY Like Working in Mental Health
While there is no doubt working in the mental health sector is challenging, it’s also highly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a profound difference in individuals’ lives.
The personal rewards working in mental health are huge. Most workers feel a sense of satisfaction from helping others to overcome their problems and lead a happier life. That same satisfaction spans further still as workers appreciate the benefit their work has on the broader community.
Then, there are the financial rewards. According to job site Seek, the average salary for a mental health worker in Australia ranges between $65 and $75k. There are also opportunities for a 6-figure salary if you take your career towards a specialist field, such as psychology or psychiatry.
Studying Mental Health with Collaboration Learning
It’s clear we have a growing need for mental health workers in Australia.
If you want to become a mental health worker, now is the perfect time to get started in this much-needed sector. With proper training, you can enter this essential field quickly and begin appreciating the financial and personal rewards it offers.
Take a look at the Certificate IV in Mental Health course and start your future career today.
