Mental Health Support Worker
Support people experiencing mental health issues, and help them achieve their personal goals and live their best lives.
Support people experiencing a mental health crisis
Working as a Mental Health Support Worker, you’ll have specialised skills in supporting people experiencing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis. This rewarding career is human-centred, and your work will empower people with mental health issues to live more fulfilling lives. You will work with a range of community groups and services to help clients to achieve their goals and find their place in the community, and will work closely with them to build independence and stability in their lives.
Key stats
Mental Health Support Workers play an important role in supporting people with mental health issues, and report high rates of job satisfaction. Here are some key facts and figures about this career path:
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$1,492
Average weekly salary
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41 hrs
Average hours worked per week
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43 yrs
Average age of people in this career
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Multi-region
Jobs available in metro and rural areas
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~84,600
People employed in this industry
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63%
Of employees are full time
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Average
Unemployment for this industry
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25.2%
Future growth (next five years)
Stats as of April 2024. Source: LabourMarketInsights.gov.au
Core skills of a Mental Health Support Worker
Working as a Mental Health Support Worker, you’ll have specialised skills in assessing and supporting your clients’ needs. Some of the core skills of Mental Health Support Workers include:
Identifying client needs
Interview clients and determine what difficulties they are facing, and what support they might need.Counselling
Providing counselling to individuals and groups, and helping your clients develop frameworks and skills that will allow them to live their best lives.Connecting with community groups and social services
Developing strong relationships with local community and social services, and referring clients to relevant support networks to help them achieve their goals.Maintaining client records and monitoring progress
Keeping records of your clients’ progress over time, and reporting to their wider medical team to plan and implement appropriate treatments and interventions.Start here
Certificate IV in Mental Health
Blended learning
Once you’ve completed your Certificate IV
Diploma in Community Services
Blended learning or traineeship
You may choose to continue your studies at university to become qualified in psychology, social work, or human services.
For more information about studying to become an Mental Health Support Worker, get in touch with one of our Course Coordinators. They'll help you understand your study options and match the right course with your goals.
Why choose GOTAFE?
Community connections
We work closely with the local community and welfare support industry to make sure your training gives you all the skills you need to succeed in the workforce.
Australia’s 5th largest industry
Approximately 8% of Australia’s workforce are employed in healthcare, and the industry continues to grow.
Hands-on experience
Our courses give you the opportunity to apply theory to practice and develop your skills working on real community projects.
Explore more career opportunities
Not sure this is the right career path for you? Explore our other careers and find the right fit for you.