Navigate this career
As the number of Australians experiencing mental health issues continues to rise, the demand for skilled workers within the mental health sector continues to expand. One of the most popular positions is that of the Mental Health Officer, who coordinates the delivery of mental health services throughout the community.
What does a Do?
A Mental Health Officer facilitates and organises the social, communal and personal living activities of clients with severe mental disorders in accordance with their abilities and needs.
The specifics of the Mental Health Officer’s role depending on the needs of the specific organisation with which they are employed.
For example, a Mental Health Officer employed within the NDIS system works with local district mental health services to identify people who may be eligible for the NDIS and assist them in navigating their NDIS journey by creating and implementing an action plan and ensuring clients connect to the appropriate services.
Whereas a Mental Health Outreach Officer generally acts as a point of contact between a large organisation and its clients, where they facilitate interactions between clients in the community and service providers aligned with the organisation.
Common Tasks and Duties of a :
Many of the tasks and duties of a Mental Health Officer involve connecting people with services and organising tasks and events.
This may include:
- Organising and facilitating social or leisure activities.
- Promoting client access to community services, facilities and resources.
- Recruiting volunteers to aid the provision of services.
- Assisting with activities of daily living, such as shopping, education, cooking, and cleaning.
- Creating treatment plans for various mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, personality & behavioural disorders, schizophrenia, phobias, PTSD, and more.
- Create and distribute client feedback surveys and analyse data.
- Facilitating group and one-on-one counselling sessions.
- Liaising with other Community Mental Health Services to create plans for integrated support services.
- Liaising with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), Local Area Coordinators, NDIS Support Coordinators, NDIS Psychosocial Recovery Coaches and other NDIS providers.
- Ongoing professional development activities to expand knowledge of psychiatric disorders by attending conferences, completing additional courses, and networking with other mental health professionals.
What skills do I need to become a ?
In order to embark on a career as a mental health officer, it is desirable if you have skills such as the ability to connect easily with people, to communicate clearly – to express your ideas clearly and to actively listen, to be confident in your organisational skills and to be aware and sensitive to understanding people’s unique personal situation.
Additional skills may include:
- Possession of or studying towards a qualification in disability support and /or mental health support.
- Previous work experience with psychiatrically disabled persons.
- A positive attitude in working with vulnerable or disabled persons.
- The ability to work well in a team environment.
- Excellent problem solving skills and attention to detail.
- Understanding of various mental issues and disorders.
- Understanding of various therapies including cognitive-behavioural therapy.
What are the types of organisations a Works At?
There are a number of different types of organisations that employ Mental Health Officers. Some may choose to work for a charity organisation, while others choose a government-run or private agency.
How much do Earn?
$70,000
AVERAGE SALARY
$1,346
WEEKLY EARNINGS
Industry Snapshot
INDUSTRIES
Health Care and Social Assistance, Public Administration and Safety
AVERAGE EDUCATION LEVEL
Diploma
Projected Job Growth in 5 Years:
23.2%
AVERAGE AGE
40
GENDER BREAKDOWN
70% Female
JOB SATSIFACTION LEVEL
4.1
How to become a ?
Studying a CHC53315 Diploma in Mental Health online is ideal for launching a new career as a Mental Health Officer. This course provides access to learning materials, tutors and classmates online, while allowing you to structure your study around family and work life without having to compromise your commitments.
On successful completion of this course, you will receive nationally recognised qualification that will allow you to gain the skills to support, counsel, refer and advocate positive mental health outcomes.
You may choose to study for the Diploma of Mental Health….
- To work within a specific mental health organisation or NDIS provider
- You want to support your community and assist people who are in need
- As a gateway further study opportunities in Counselling and Social Work
- To expand on your existing experience in mental health support and community outreach.
*The projected values are for informational purposes only and are subject to change based on industry demand and growth.
What our trainer has to say
Working as a Mental Health Officer allows you to support, uplift and empower vulnerable people in your community by providing them with education, social services and facilitating their connection with appropriate services throughout the community. Rarely will you find a job that can provide you with a deep level of personal and professional satisfaction for the positive impact you can make on people who need it the most.
Rosemary Peeters
