How much money does an accredited instructor get paid for working as a Mental Health First Aid™ trainer in Australia?
In recent years, there has been an increase in both awareness and comprehension of mental health issues, which has led to a rise in the demand for trained professionals in the mental health field.
One occupation that falls into this category is that of a "Mental Health First Aid Instructor," whose primary responsibility is to educate others on how to provide immediate assistance to people who are going through a mental health crisis or to people experiencing mental health symptoms.
Highlights
- Annual Salary: Mental Health First Aid™ Instructors in Australia earn about $75,000 yearly, with $36/hour.
- Flexible Work: These instructors often have adaptable work schedules or run private practices.
- Training Duration: It takes around 5 days of training, covering various mental health topics, to become an instructor.
- Diverse Backgrounds: Professionals like nurses and psychologists often become instructors to enhance their skills.
- Essential Skills: Key skills include strong communication, empathy, teaching ability, and mental health knowledge.
What is the yearly and hourly rate do Mental Health First Aid Instructors receive in Australia?
According to Indeed, which facilitates the search for employment opportunities, the annual salary for a Mental Health First Aid™ Instructor in Australia is close to $75,000, with an average hourly rate of $36 per hour. There is a possibility that annual wages will begin somewhere around $60,000 and rise to well over $100,000. However, this can depend on location and experience.
Given the nature of Mental Health First Aid™ training, educators may have flexible work arrangements or work in private practice, so they may not work full-time as an instructor.
Anecdotal evidence from a selection of trainers we work with here at MiTraining suggests that some Mental Health First Aid™ Instructors complete the training as a complimentary service to broaden their existing skill set. Often nurses, counsellors, psychologists, or coaches take the training to diversify their skills and provide a new income stream in addition to their private practice clients or another part-time role.
How many hours does becoming a Mental Health First Aid Australia Instructor take?
To become a Mental Health First Aid™ Australia Instructor, individuals must complete a training program typically consisting of 5 days of in-person or online training. This training covers mental health literacy, crisis first aid for suicidal behaviour, non-suicidal self-injury, and more.
The program also includes an assessment process that evaluates the candidate's understanding and ability to teach the material effectively.
Overall, the training program involves approximately 30 hours of instruction and assessment. However, it's worth noting that some organisations may require additional training or qualifications before allowing individuals to become instructors.
How challenging is it to become a Mental Health First Aid™ Instructor?
Becoming a Mental Health First Aid™ Instructor requires dedication and hard work, but it is achievable for those passionate about mental health and helping others.
The training program covers a wide range of topics related to mental health, and candidates must demonstrate an understanding of these topics and the ability to teach them effectively before they are accredited.
What skills are needed to become a Mental Health First Aid™ Instructor?
Individuals should possess various skills and strengths to be successful Mental Health First Aid™ Instructors. Here are some key ones:
1. Strong communication abilities: Strong communication skills are required of trainers because they need to convey detailed information about mental health in an understandable and concise manner.
2. Empathy and compassion: Trainers should deeply understand the challenges faced by individuals experiencing mental health issues and approach their work with kindness and compassion to be successful.
3. Teaching skills: Trainers need to be able to facilitate group discussions, design exciting learning experiences and modify their teaching style to cater to the requirements of various students to have strong teaching skills.
4. Knowledge of mental health: Trainers are required to have a comprehensive understanding of various mental health conditions, including their symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and impact on the lives of individuals.
5. Flexibility and patience: Patience and flexibility are two qualities that should characterise trainers' interactions with learners. Learners may come from various backgrounds and have varying degrees of understanding or experience with mental health issues. They should also be flexible and adaptable to respond appropriately to unforeseen circumstances that may arise while participating in training.
6. Personal experience: Although having personal experience with mental health problems is not required, having such knowledge can provide trainers with valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals experiencing such issues.
To be a successful Mental Health First Aid™ trainer, you need the knowledge, skills, and personal qualities that enable you to teach others about mental health effects while supporting them through the learning process.
As long as maintaining mental health is considered an important goal, there will be a demand for trained professionals to instruct others on how to approach mental health conversations and crises.
If you are a Mental Health First Aid™ Instructor in Australia, you must educate yourself on the requirements of Mental Health First Aid™ Australia. They have developed the accreditation and have stringent rules for administering the course.
While it may require effort and commitment, becoming a Mental Health First Aid™ Instructor can be a rewarding career path for those interested in making a difference in the lives of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
If you'd like to experience Mental Health First Aid™ and aren't an accredited Mental Health First Aider™, why not join our next online or face-to-face class?
View all Mental Health First Aid™ course options with MiTraining.
