Aboriginal Mental Health Traineeship program

This three-year program pays trainees to work under supervision in Victorian health services while they are supported to complete a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) from Charles Sturt University. 

On completion of the program, our trainees will have a mental health qualification that will allow them to work in clinical roles, similar to a social worker or other clinicians in a mental health team. 

Improving care and outcomes 

The Aboriginal Mental Health Traineeship Program will:

• Increase the number of qualified Aboriginal mental health professionals in the workforce

• Increase the knowledge of mental health services staff about Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing
• Improve the responsiveness of mental health services to the needs of Aboriginal consumers
• Increase the number of Aboriginal people accessing the range of mental health services
• Improve care pathways for all Victorians.

Supported study

As a trainee, you will complete a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) through Charles Sturt University full-time over three years. Your area’s Mental Health Service will pay your student contribution amount for the course and provide on the job training and support.

You will study by correspondence, with three, week-long residential intensive subjects each year at Charles Sturt’s Wagga Wagga campus. Accommodation, travel expenses and meals are provided for these residential subjects.

To stay in the traineeship, you will need to show you are working well both in the workplace and academically. 

If you choose to cease employment as a Trainee and exit the course before the end of three years, you can graduate with the following qualifications:

• On successful completion of one year, a Certificate in Health Science (Mental Health)
• On successful completion of two years, a Diploma in Health Science (Mental Health). 

To be offered ongoing employment at your area mental health service you must successfully complete three years and achieve a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health).

How to apply 

If you are interested in further information about the Victorian Aboriginal Mental Health traineeship please contact one of the following area mental health services.