Mental Health Social Worker jobs in Australia
3 current roles available
Lead Social Worker - Extensive professional development - Devonport, Tasmania
MediRecruit
Social Worker - Mental Health
Monash Health
Graduate Social Worker - Mental Health
Goulburn Valley Health
About Mental Health Social Worker roles
Social workers in mental health bring a holistic, person-in-environment perspective to practice. They provide counselling, case management, advocacy, and practical support — helping people navigate housing, financial hardship, family relationships, and access to services alongside their mental health treatment.
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) hold a specific credential from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) that enables them to provide Medicare-rebated psychological therapy under the Better Access scheme. This credential requires a qualifying social work degree plus specialised mental health experience.
Social workers are employed across community mental health services, hospitals, non-government organisations, NDIS providers, and family services. Demand is high, particularly in community and NDIS settings where the psychosocial support focus aligns well with social work skills.
Typical salary
$75k – $105k AUD
AMHSW credential enables private practice billing under Medicare. Senior and team leader roles in public health attract higher rates.
Registration
AASW membership required. Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) status required for Medicare-rebated therapy.
Qualifications typically required
- AASW-accredited Bachelor or Masters of Social Work
- AASW full membership
- Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) credential for clinical therapy roles
- NDIS Worker Screening Check for community roles
Career pathway
Social workers enter mental health through community organisations, hospitals, or child protection. Gaining AMHSW accreditation opens clinical and private practice pathways. Senior roles include team leadership, clinical supervision, policy, and management within health or NGO settings.