Mental Health Support Worker overview
Mental Health Support Workers assist individuals living with mental illness or psychosocial disabilities to improve their well-being and quality of life. They offer practical and emotional support, help develop recovery plans, and connect clients to health and social services. Their work promotes independence, dignity, and participation in community life.
Career guide for working as a Mental Health Support Worker
A Mental Health Support Worker is also called...
Depending on the role and setting, Mental Health Support Workers may also be known as:
- Recovery Support Worker
- Psychosocial Support Worker
- Community Mental Health Worker
- Mental Health Outreach Worker
- Peer Support Worker
What are Mental Health Support Workers trained to do?
They support clients with daily living skills, set recovery goals, monitor well-being, and provide referrals. Workers also assist in crisis response and advocate for mental health inclusion and support.
Who do Mental Health Support Workers help?
They assist people living with mental illness, psychosocial disability, or dual diagnoses - often supporting those experiencing social isolation, housing issues, or co-occurring challenges like alcohol and other drug (AOD) use.
Where do Mental Health Support Workers work?
- Community mental health services and outreach programs
- Hospitals and psychiatric units
- Non-profit organisations and peer support networks
- Residential and supported accommodation
- Youth, aged care, and workplace wellbeing services
Skills needed to be a Mental Health Support Worker
These workers need compassion, active listening, de-escalation skills, trauma-informed practice, cultural competence, and the ability to work calmly through complex or emotional situations.
Qualifications needed to be a Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Support Workers typically hold a qualification and relevant training. These may include a diploma or bachelor's degree in community and human services, mental health, psychology, social work, or other related fields. Additional training in trauma care, mental health first aid, or suicide prevention is required.
Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) & Bachelor of Psychology (formerly Bachelor of Psychological Science) – Double Degree
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