Vision Psychology (Wishart) and M1 Psychology (Loganholme) are pleased to announce that Internship applications are now open for those wishing to pursue their career as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. Our Social Work internship program is modelled from the 4+2 Psychology internship pathway. This means that we will be expecting a similar ability to learn about psychotherapies, learn best practice standards as your colleagues are mostly psychologists.
Those who are successful as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker are able to obtain an Allied Health Medicare Provider number and subsequently provide Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) through the Better Access to Mental Health Care, Chronic Disease Management and Allied Psychological Services Programs. Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are also recognised by some private health insurers, such as Bupa, HCF and Teachers Health.
The AASW outlines the AMHSW criteria on its website. Please have a thorough read to see the full necessary criteria.
We can help with 4 of those necessary criteria:
- Obtain at least 2 years’ full-time equivalent post-qualifying social work experience in a mental health setting within the last 5 years, totalling a minimum of 3,360 hours.
- Demonstrate at least 2 years’ full-time equivalent post-qualifying supervision in a mental health setting within the last 5 years.
- An official AASW referee statement form completed and signed by a supervisor that validates the clinical work and performance in a mental health setting using FPS.
- To offer an observer who can supervise you for the duration of the case study activity as part of the accredited process.
What we need of you:
- To be a full member of the AASW
- To have an initial suitability interview with both the clinic directors and Dr David Ward
FAQ
What work will I be doing?
You will be offering therapeutic assessments and interventions for a mixture of reduced-fee clients. The core component of the training will be learning how to provide Medicare approved therapies, writing reports for referrers and measuring your outcomes with standardised measures. The majority of our clients come for help with a variety of mental health and relational difficulties.
What hours do I need to work?
That’s up to you! The more client hours you complete, the sooner the criteria are met. We are open 6 days week, with evening sessions. We are particularly keen to see Saturdays filled. We require that you crossover with your primary supervisor on at least one weekday in order to ensure supervision is occuring onsite while you both are working.
Will I get paid?
We appreciate the expertise you bring and will be paid at a set rate whilst you are seeing clients as a contractor. For some clinicians the option to volunteer may be an option if your qualifications are not yet sufficient for us to provide you enough referrals. You will still need the on-site supervision and be a member of the AASW.
Who will be my supervisor and eventually sign off on my internship?
As per the AASW criteria, the supervisor who signs off on the reports “should have a higher level of practice experience than their supervisees and should have some training in supervision….and must have appropriate qualifications and experience in mental health in order to provide appropriate assessment and appraisal of an applicant’s mental health practice and particularly your use of and competence in FPS”. (AASW Accredited Mental Health Social Worker Application Criteria 2002, pp.2-3).
Your Supervisor will be Dr David Ward, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who has worked in clinical settings for his entire 26-year career. He has worked for non-government organisations such as Lifeline, and Government organisations such as Child and Youth Mental Health; in community, acute, and extended treatment facilities. His background includes extensive family work, trauma work, and utilising a range of FPS. Please see some of his professional background on our website at Dr David Ward Psychotherapist Brisbane | Vision Psychology Brisbane
Do I need to pay for the supervision I receive from Dr Ward?
Yes, you do. However, wherever possible, we will try to have this in a group setting to lower the cost.
What if I can’t finish the practicum and need to depart early?
Dr David is happy to offer a signed document stating the clinical hours you completed and the type of clinical work you offered.
How do I apply?
Give Vision Psychology (Wishart; 3088 5422) or M1 Psychology (Loganholme; 3067 9129) and leave your name, best contact number, email and reason for your call (i.e. enquiring re the Social Work Mental Health Accreditation Program) with our reception, and one of our management team will return your call.
Alternatively, please email us your interest via Contact Reception | Vision Psychology Brisbane.