Overview
Mental health support roles are expanding rapidly across the NHS, HSE, and voluntary sector, but competition for entry-level positions remains fierce. Employers want evidence that you have spent time in clinical or community settings, not just studied mental health in a lecture hall. Voluntary placements, research experience, and relevant certifications are what separate your application from the stack.
This resume belongs to Saoirse O'Brien, a psychology graduate from Trinity College Dublin who completed a six-month placement with Jigsaw, Ireland's national youth mental health charity. She supported 45 young people through brief interventions, co-delivered workshops in schools, and completed intake assessments using standardised screening tools. She also worked as a research assistant on an adolescent anxiety study.
What Makes This Resume Work
The voluntary placement is treated as a real clinical role. Saoirse lists her Jigsaw placement with the same level of detail as a paid position. She includes the number of young people supported, workshops delivered, referrals assessed, and CPD sessions attended. This is essential because many mental health worker roles require evidence of direct client contact, and voluntary experience counts.
Research experience demonstrates analytical skills. The research assistant role shows she can recruit participants, administer standardised measures, and analyse qualitative data. These skills transfer directly to roles that involve outcome monitoring, service evaluation, or audit work within mental health teams.
Certifications address employer requirements directly. Mental Health First Aid, SafeTALK, and Garda Vetting are all commonly listed as essential or desirable criteria in mental health job specifications. Having them already in place removes a barrier for employers.
Key Takeaways
Psychology graduates applying for mental health worker roles should prioritise voluntary or placement experience and present it with the same rigour as paid employment. Include specific numbers for client contacts, assessments completed, and groups delivered. Relevant certifications like Mental Health First Aid and SafeTALK are worth completing before you apply, and research experience adds depth to your application even if the role itself is not research-focused.
