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Western Australia's mental health sector is growing rapidly. There is a high demand for workers with a diverse range of skills. So, whether you’re looking at entry-level roles, or to make a career change that matters, there are many rewarding, stable opportunities to make a meaningful contribution in the mental health sector.

There are many opportunities to work in Western Australia’s mental health system. Roles exist within private, non-government and government service providers offering care to people across all life stages and in a range of settings. Some roles are focused on prevention and health promotion, such as running mental health and wellbeing education programs, events and campaigns, while others involve working directly with individuals and families affected providing services in the community, or as part of a team in a mental health care setting.

Every university will offer a different program of qualifications, at different levels and with different entry requirements. Take the time to read through the information on their websites to help decide which study pathway you want to pursue.

TAFE and Registered Training Organisations provide accredited training that meets industry skill requirements. A skill set, short course, Certificate I or Certificate II can help you learn a new skill. A Certificate III or Certificate IV can give you an intermediate level skillset and are required for some roles in the mental health sector. These may then be a pathway to a Diploma. A Diploma can make you eligible for a more highly skilled job and may be a pathway to a university course. Some of these qualifications can be completed as part of a traineeship or apprenticeship.

Below are the potential pathways for studying courses related to mental health.

To find out which WA TAFE College or Registered Training Organisations are offering these qualifications near you please visit Jobs and Skills WA and search for the course that you are interested in.

The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office have a range of scholarship for nursing and midwifery students studying in WA. These can help you become a nurse or midwife or progress your career.

Visit the Department of Health website to learn more about scholarships available.

The Westerman Jilya Institute provides scholarships to increase the number of Indigenous psychologists working in Australia. The scholarship includes:

• a $10,000 bursary (plus 17% admin) that can be used to support the student
• mentoring and support of scholarship recipients via research, training and other networking opportunities.

Whether you're looking for a job, thinking about a career change, or upskilling for your own development, now's the time to prepare. You can choose from a full qualification with course fees reduced by half or more, or a wide range of free short courses to get you job ready.

The Integrating Mental Health Practice skill set is currently free for eligible workers.

Visit Jobs and Skills WA to find out more.

Western Australian Department of Health

Australian College of Nursing

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care provide a range of nursing and allied health undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships that are administered through the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). Visit the ACN website to learn more.

Job opportunities are advertised online, check out some of the places below to start your search.

WA Government 

jobs board 

(use the search filters)

Jobs and Skills WA 

jobs board

Ethical Jobs 

(specialised in community service and support work)

SEEK

WA Government 

jobs board 

(use the search filters)

Be direct. Most of the major mental health service providers operating in WA advertise job opportunities on their website or socials. Make a list of the organisations you're interested in and apply for jobs directly through their website.

Jobs and Skills Centres (JSC) are located across regional and metropolitan WA. An experienced careers specialist at your local JSC can offer advice and support on career planning, job-specific information, and decision making, helping you choose the best mental health career pathway. All services are free.

Call your local JSC on 13 64 64, or find your nearest JSC and drop in for a chat.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of our State and its waters. The Commission wishes to pay its respects to Elders both past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples seeing this message.

We recognise the individual and collective expertise of those with a living or lived experience of mental health, alcohol and other drug issues. We recognise their vital contribution at all levels and value the courage of those who share this unique perspective for the purpose of learning and growing together to achieve better outcomes for all.

Photo and video credits WA Department of Health.

Last updated: June 2023