New Graduate Mental Health Jobs Australia: Where to Start Your Career
Just finished your mental health qualification? Here's where to find new graduate jobs in Australia, what employers want, and how to stand out.
You've finished your degree or diploma. You've got the piece of paper. Now you need a job.
That first role after graduation can feel like the hardest one to land. You have the knowledge but not the experience. Employers want experience, but you need the job to get it.
Here's what actually works for new graduate mental health professionals in Australia.
Where New Grads Actually Get Hired
The most accessible employers for new graduates are:
- headspace — They run structured graduate programs for psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists. You get supervision built in, which is huge when you're starting out. Read more about working at headspace.
- NDIS providers — The disability sector is desperate for staff. Many providers will take new graduates and provide on-the-job training, especially for behaviour support practitioners, allied health assistants, and support workers. See our NDIS provider hiring guide.
- Community health centres — Often run by your local PHN. They hire new graduate social workers, counsellors, and mental health nurses. Pay is lower than private practice, but the supervision is usually excellent.
- Hospitals — Graduate nurse programs are well-established. Mental health nursing graduate positions exist in most state health departments, particularly in rural areas. Check out rural mental health nursing.
- Relationships Australia — They regularly hire new graduate counsellors and social workers. It's a strong entry point if you're interested in family and relationship work. See what it's like working at Relationships Australia.
What Employers Look for in New Graduates
I asked several hiring managers what makes a new grad application stand out. The answers were remarkably consistent:
- Placement experience — Your placements are your work history. Be specific about what you did, who you saw, and what outcomes you achieved.
- Willingness to go regional — Mental health jobs in regional Australia are plentiful, and employers there are more willing to take a chance on a new grad. If you can relocate for 12 months, you'll build experience fast.
- Self-awareness about supervision needs — Candidates who say "I know I have a lot to learn and I'm keen for supervision" get hired over those who pretend they know everything.
- Registration or membership in progress — If you need AHPRA registration or professional membership, have it sorted before you apply. See our guide on AHPRA registration.
How Much You'll Earn as a New Grad
Entry-level salaries vary by role and location, but here's a rough guide:
| Role | Typical Entry Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Mental health support worker | $55,000–$65,000 |
| Youth worker | $58,000–$68,000 |
| Allied health assistant | $55,000–$62,000 |
| Counsellor (community) | $60,000–$72,000 |
| Social worker (community) | $65,000–$75,000 |
| Psychologist (provisional) | $70,000–$82,000 |
| Mental health nurse (grad year) | $70,000–$78,000 |
| Behaviour support practitioner | $65,000–$80,000 |
For a full breakdown across all roles, see the Mental Health Salary Guide Australia 2026.
Three Practical Steps to Land Your First Role
1. Target the right employers
Don't apply for senior clinician roles. Look for positions explicitly labelled "graduate," "new graduate," "entry level," or "assistant." Browse all roles on Supportive and filter by experience level.
2. Write a targeted application
Generic cover letters don't work. If you're applying for a youth mental health role, reference your experience with young people. If it's an NDIS role, show you understand the scheme. Read our guide on how to write a stand-out mental health job application.
3. Consider a stepping-stone role
If you can't get your dream role immediately, take a support worker or allied health assistant position. You'll gain clinical exposure, build your network, and often get internal progression. The NDIS Allied Health Assistant role is a great example of a role that leads to bigger things.
Your First Job Won't Be Your Last
The mental health workforce in Australia is growing, but it's also stretched. The workforce shortage data shows demand far exceeds supply. That means new graduates are needed, and employers are increasingly willing to invest in you.
Your first job is about learning, building confidence, and getting supervised hours. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be a start.
Ready to find your first mental health role in Australia? Browse all new graduate jobs on Supportive, or set up a job alert to get notified when new positions are posted. We list roles across all 18 mental health professions, from peer support workers to psychologists.