Community and Mental Health 2021 - Industry Snapshot - Melbourne
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CRICOS: 00122A | RTO: 3046
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Industry Snapshot
Community and
Mental Health
2021
Data shows 2021 is the year to advance your
career in community and mental health.
In 2020, social distancing, state borders and working
remotely through COVID-19 outbreaks presented a number
of challenges for Australians. As we emerge into the ‘next
normal’, more state funding for mental health support and
family violence prevention – and high demand for more
skills in our social economy – signals strong job growth for
community and mental health in 2021.
Key takeaways from 2020
Demand for skills in healthcare and social assistance grew overall and
recovered after lockdowns1
Throughout COVID-19, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported overall growth in the
number of job vacancies in healthcare and social assistance.
In February 2020, approximately 30,000 jobs in the sector were available to be filled immediately
and recruitment actions, including applicant interviews and job advertisements, had been taken. In
November 2020, this number grew to 38,000, despite a dip in demand that affected most industries
during second wave lockdowns in May to August.
The Victorian Government announced more funding for mental health2
As part of the Victorian Budget for 2020-21, the Andrews Labor Government announced a $235
million investment dedicated to creating approximately 500 new jobs in mental health, family
violence, health and child protection. It was announced that new accelerated training pathways
and internships will also be created for around 875 people, granting more opportunities for aspiring
mental health workers to support those in need.
“As our state rebuilds, we are building a recovery workforce – to stand by every Victorian who
needs our help,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Mental Health, James Merlino.
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What’s next...
Community and mental health
at a glance
Top jobs in demand in 20213 How did COVID-19 impact the mental
Based on Australian recruitment data, these jobs in health of Australia?6
community and mental health are the ones to watch.
Mental Health Practitioners and Clinicians
+ Employers look for skills in:
Telehealth and case management skills that
can be applied in a range of government and
non-government settings
30%
increase in demand for
telephone support, according
+ 11.7% projected growth in demand for this to Beyond Blue and Lifeline
role in the next 5 years4
Family Violence Specialists
42%
+ Employers look for skills in:
Counselling, case management and
specialisation in men’s behaviour change
programs within court services and
the community of young Australians aged 16-34
reported feeling lonely and isolated
+ $9.7 million invested in family violence
during the pandemic, exposing
prevention and early intervention activities
future vulnerabilities to mental
in the Victorian Budget for 2020-215
health issues
Did you know?
Victoria’s social economy is
anticipated to create 60,000 new
health and community services
jobs in the next five years alone.7
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What’s next...
What’s next...
The need for skilled workers in family violence prevention will continue
to grow
The 2015 Royal Commission into Family Violence contained 227 recommendations, which
were made to help prevent family violence, improve support for victims and survivors, and hold
perpetrators to account. This has informed the Family Violence Reform Rolling Action Plan 2020-
2023, which prioritises ten areas including primary prevention, immediate support services and legal
assistance, benefitting workers with skills in these areas.8
RMIT’s Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence will prepare you to pursue a rewarding
career in the social science sector. Among the first nationally to offer a dual-focus of equipping
students to respond to those already experiencing family violence, as well as the development of
primary prevention approaches, the qualification can be undertaken in as little as six months.
Study a Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence
Social determinants, accessibility and teletherapy will be a focus of
mental health care
RMIT’s Senior Lecturer in Law and Social Work Dr Chris Maylea said that moving forward after
the pandemic, mental health services and support must focus on the social determinants of
mental health.
“This means ensuring housing, income security and a life free of discrimination for all - not just for
those who were able to weather the pandemic,” he said.
PwC Australia also suggested that telehealth may be one way to make services accessible to more
people in need: “For mental health services, digitally enabled care has the potential to connect a
person in need to the right care at the right time. It also enables people to access support Australia-
wide and after hours.”6
Advance your career in nursing by specialising in mental health care with RMIT’s Graduate Diploma
in Mental Health Nursing and Master of Mental Health Nursing. With a range of on-campus
experience to enhance your clinical work outcomes in hospitals, community health centres and
more, the masters will help you advance to a leadership role, while the graduate diploma can be
undertaken in as little as 12 months.
Study a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Study a Master of Mental Health Nursing
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What’s next...
Sources
1
ABC News ‘Job vacancies are surging, and employers say it’s hard to find suitable labour’ 2021
2
The Hon James Merlino ‘Building Our Recovery Workforce To Support Our State’ media release 2020
3
Hays ‘The most in-demand skills for 2021’ report 2020
4
Seek job ads (Mental Health Nurse)
5
Victorian Government State Budget Highlights 2020/21 ‘Keeping women and children safe’
6
PwC ‘Mental health in the age of COVID-19’ report 2020
7
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing ‘Family Violence Reform Rolling Action Plan 2020-2023:
Workforce Development’ 2020
8
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing ‘Family Violence Reform Rolling Action Plan 2020-2023’ 2020
Correct as at April 2021
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