When you want to know how to become a social worker in Australia, you have several different paths that you can take. You can choose to help people with mental health or addiction and get a diploma. You will gain knowledge and experience by working with clients during your education. These courses will help you develop the specialist skills you need to start your career.
- Earn a Diploma in Mental Health
A diploma in Mental Health is designed for people who want to develop the skills needed to work with clients who are struggling with mental health issues. You might have some experience in community services, and this diploma lets you transition to helping people with mental health issues.
You will learn how to help people through advice on issues by taking social services courses. You will learn skills and techniques that you can use to help clients recover and improve their well-being. There are different careers that you can have, including a Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker, a Community Support Worker, a Mental Health Intake Officer, a Mental Health Outreach Worker, or a Mental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker.
- Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
This diploma is a good option for people who want to help those suffering from addiction. The government in Australia is adding resources to help people with addiction, so there are plenty of jobs available, and the opportunity is expected to increase over the next 10 years. When you get this degree, you will be able to implement appropriate strategies to help clients through their recoveries, and you can manage client relationships. Once you complete the program, you can have a career as an Alcohol and Drugs Case Worker, Community Support Worker, Outreach Worker, or Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker.
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
You can earn this certificate if you want to work in mental health. You will take social services courses to learn about the link between mental health and alcohol and other drugs, and you will learn how to run a practice based on recovery and communication techniques for building and maintaining relationships. You will be able to support people who have coexisting mental health and alcohol and drug issues. You will be able to get different jobs, including Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Mental Health Intake Officer, Mental Health Outreach Worker, and Mental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker.
- Certificate IV Alcohol and Other Drugs
Another path is to earn this certificate, which allows you to help people who have been affected by alcohol and drugs. This will prepare you for an entry level position in the alcohol and drugs industry, and you will be able to provide services and interventions to clients who are suffering from dependency. You can get a job as a Community Support Worker, a Detoxification Worker, an Alcohol and Drugs Worker, or a Case Worker.
Final Words
If you want to become a social worker in Australia, there are different paths that you can take. You can choose whether you want an entry level position through a certificate or you can get a diploma. You can help people with mental health issues or with alcohol and drug addiction.