Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Worker

Typical Salary

£24,907 To £44,503

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

between 8am and 6pm

How To Become a Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Worker

You can get into this job through:

a university course
applying directly

College / University

You could do a degree in psychology or health and social care, and then apply for a place on a postgraduate training course.

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly if you've got relevant skills and knowledge. Employers will look for:

qualifications in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, arts therapy or other psychological therapy
experience and training in cognitive behavioural therapy

You'll complete an Improving Access to Psychological Therapy training course while you work.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of psychology
counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
to be flexible and open to change
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to work well with others
to enjoy working with other people
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
customer service skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

design and run group therapy sessions
promote good mental health in the community
signpost people to relevant services
keep accurate and up-to-date patient care records
support and train other healthcare professionals
develop and set up new mental health support services

Working Environment

You could work at a health centre, at a client's home or at a GP practice.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

You'll usually need paid or voluntary experience of working with people who have mental health issues or people with disabilities. You can contact the voluntary services co-ordinator or manager at your local NHS trust about work experience opportunities.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Experience of working with people with mental health problems will be helpful.

Further information

You can find out more about working in primary mental health care from Health Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.