Diploma of Mental Health

People who are successful in this industry have:

• The ability to work with others
• An empathetic nature
• An understanding of the issues people with mental illness face
• Conflict resolution skills and enjoy empowering people to discover solutions
• The ability to be highly adaptable and respond easily to change
• A high level of resilience

Assessments give you the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned and to identify the knowledge or skills that may need further development.
In this course you can expect:

• Skills assessments: role-play scenarios, presentations, practical, observation (including assessments in the workplace)
• Knowledge assessments: multiple choice, true or false, short answer questions
• Case study: case study scenario, reflection
• Portfolio: samples of work in a workplace environment
• Project: report, research-based project, journal, essay

The Certificate IV in Mental Health is where you will develop a strong foundation in mental health skills.

The Diploma of Mental provides you with a high level of specialist knowledge and skills and is ideal if you have experience working in mental health or a similar field. You can enrol in this without doing the Certificate IV, however the Certificate IV cements your foundational knowledge and sets you up for success in the Diploma.

You will also gain hands-on experience in:

• Working appropriately with diversity
• Leading and making independent decisions
• Promoting safety: physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual
• Contributing to wellbeing and recovery
• Working collaboratively with other services
• Understanding and working effectively within trauma-informed care
• Responding appropriately to crises
• Making referrals to other appropriate services
• Engaging in critical analysis and reflection of your own practice
• Working within organisational policy and procedures in regards to documentation

Prior to commencing your work placement, you will be provided with numerous opportunities to work with, assess and respond to simulated clients with a variety of mental health requirements. This ensures you have relevant, helpful and authentic experiences responding professionally to complex needs.

TAFE NSW offers you a range of study environments to enhance your learning and employability, such as:

• TAFE NSW campus classrooms: you will be equipped with the knowledge needed to work within the community services sector.
• Indigo Community Services and Health Hub: a custom-designed virtual simulated organisation where you will develop practical skills
• Work placement at a Mental Health organisation: your work placement hours provide an opportunity to refine your practical skills

In the January 2019, the Federal Government announced a $1.45 billion funding boost for mental health services. In addition, the NSW government has pledged $700million towards a statewide mental health infrastructure program.

There are forecast to be around 6,000 new job openings per year until 2023 in the mental health sector across all regions in Australia. Therefore by 2023, it is expected that there will be approximately 52,100 jobs. This makes now a great time to start studying towards a career in Mental Health Support Work.

Mental health awareness is on the rise. People are more comfortable finding help and this has lead to increased demand for mental health services.

In the January 2019, the Federal Government announced a $1.45 billion funding boost for mental health services. In addition, the NSW government has pledged $700million towards a statewide mental health infrastructure program.

There are forecast to be around 6,000 new job openings per year until 2023 in the mental health sector across all regions in Australia. These job openings include new jobs being created. Therefore by 2023, it is expected that there will be approximately 52,100 jobs. This makes now a great time to start studying towards a career in Mental Health Support Work.