|
The mental Health industry comprises a number of professions. Each profession requires a specific qualification and fulfils a unique role. At times, the qualification required to fulfil a specific job can mistakenly be misrepresented through use of the incorrect professional title. This can lead to employers recruiting persons that are under or over qualified, and in some instances substantially over-remunerating.
It’s therefore very important that employers understand the role and qualification requirements of each profession and correctly match them to appropriately qualified job seekers. For the purpose of reference and standardisation, outlined to the right are broadly accepted profession definitions used by CounsellorJOBS. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Counsellor  |
| Role |
Counsellors focus on ‘normal’ people with ‘everyday’ problems such as relationship, stress, workplace, and grief and loss issues. Counsellors are unable to conduct psychometric testing or prescribe medication. Counsellors usually engage in one-on-one, family, or group work. Counsellors can refer clients to a General Practitioner or Psychologist for issues of a more serious nature.
|
| Qualifications |
Counsellors registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) have undergone recognised training in counselling and/or psychology.
|
| Salary Range* |
$25,000 - $45,000 per annum |
|
| Psychologist |
| Role |
Psychologists are trained in many different theoretical approaches to human behaviour and usually engage in one-on-one, family, or group work. Psychologists work with clients with a mental illness and work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, community health, and private practice. Psychologists can utilise a number of psychometric tests, however are not able to prescribe medication. The focus of most psychologists’ work is on specific problems or symptoms described from their client’s perspective.
|
| Qualifications |
Psychology is a regulated profession in Australia, and as such, Psychologists must meet and maintain high professional standards to be registered as a Psychologist. Psychologists generally have as a minimum a tertiary qualification and have undergone substantial professional supervision.
|
| Salary Range* |
$45,000 - $70,000 per annum |
|
| Social Worker |
| Role |
A Social Worker assists people to deal with personal and/or social problems. Social workers can provide direct support via individual counselling and case planning or indirect support by developing, implementing and/or facilitating programs to assist particular groups or communities. Social workers often specialise in areas such as Family; welfare services; health services; disability services; mental health services; juvenile and family law courts; aged care; disabilities; income support and; mediation. |
| Qualifications |
Social Workers must hold a recognised four year bachelor degree (Social Work). |
| Salary Range* |
$32,000 - $57,000 per annum |
|
| Mental Health Nurse |
| Role |
Mental health nurses provide both preventative and rehabilitative support and care for patients with psychiatric or emotional concerns who are receiving treatment in hospital, community or home-based settings. Mental health nurses monitor the biological aspects of mental illness through behavioural observations and the administration of medication. |
| Qualifications |
Post graduate qualification in Nursing (Mental Health). |
| Salary Range* |
$36 000 - $57 000 per annum |
|
| Psychiatrist |
| Role |
A Psychiatrist is a person trained in medicine who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatrists, by virtue of a medical license, are legally authorised to prescribe drugs (i.e. antipsychotics, antidepressants) and are trained in abnormalities and their prevention and cure. The practice of psychiatry is extremely broad and includes aspects that are strictly medical such as drug treatment, electroconvulsive shock treatment and organic disabilities with psychological manifestations. However, Psychiatry also includes areas that have little to do with the domain of medicine, including behaviour modification therapy, psychoanalysis etc. |
| Qualifications |
Psychiatrists have a medical degree and have undergone substantial additional training in mental health and mental disorders. Psychiatry is a regulated profession in Australia, and as such, Psychiatrists must meet and maintain high professional standards to be registered as a Psychiatrist. |
| Salary Range* |
$100,000 - $300,000 per annum |
|
* The salary range is for permanent full-time employment and should be used as a guide only. |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
