Social Work Roles in Mental Health

Mental Health Social Workers provide assessment, counselling, advocacy and practical support that considers the whole of a person’s life, including their family, relationships, culture and community. They work with people to remove barriers to recovery and uphold their rights and choices.

Community Mental Health Social Workers support people in their own homes and communities. They help people access housing, income support, and legal and community services. They work with families and carers, and support people to stay connected and work towards their recovery goals.

Inpatient Mental Health Social Workers support people and their families during a hospital stay. They provide family support and advocacy, and help with practical and social needs. They work with people and community services to plan a safe, well-supported return home.

Child and Youth Mental Health Social Workers support infants, children, young people and their families. They work with the whole family, and with schools and community services, to strengthen relationships and respond to family and social challenges. They support young people’s wellbeing.

Social work education roles support the professional development of social workers across the service. They coordinate supervision, training and student placements, and promote high-quality, rights-based social work practice.

Placements give social work students practical experience in public mental health. Students are supervised by experienced social workers and gain insight into assessment, advocacy, family work and recovery-oriented practice.