Become anInterventionist

Your journey begins with a deep seated desire to make a difference – to lend a helping hand to those in need, to provide solace to the distressed, and to empower individuals to overcome obstacles and lead fulfilling lives. 

Change is the only constant in the modern world, and with change comes discomfort. It is important that organisations, as well as society as a whole, can learn to address this discomfort in a positive, productive way. That is where interventionists come in. Interventionists help organisations and individuals to face new ideas in a rapidly changing world.

Every day as an Interventionist is different, presenting you with unique opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. 

From assisting someone struggling with addiction to offering guidance to a family navigating through a crisis, your role is diverse and dynamic. You listen intently to their stories, empathise with their struggles, and collaborate with them to develop tailored intervention plans that address their needs holistically. Whether you’re conducting therapy sessions, facilitating support groups, or advocating for resources and services, your unwavering commitment to your clients’ well-being shines through in every interaction.

• Make a real difference in lives.
• Help communities recover and grow.
• Solve complex societal problems with innovative strategies.
• Work in dynamic and diverse environments.

As an Interventionist, your primary role is to provide assistance to individuals or groups who are struggling with various issues such as addiction, mental health challenges, or behavioural disorders. 

You will play a crucial role in helping individuals and communities navigate through crises and challenging situations. Your work involves developing strategies, leading interventions, and providing support to ensure positive outcomes, whether in healthcare, education, social services, or disaster management.

A Day in the Life of an Interventionist

Assess Client Needs and Situations
Start the day by meeting with clients or community members to understand their challenges, needs, and goals.

Develop Intervention Plans
Design strategies to address specific issues, whether it’s helping a family in crisis or developing educational support for students.

Coordinate with Multidisciplinary Teams
Collaborate with professionals from different fields, such as social workers, educators, or medical staff, to ensure holistic support.

Lead Workshops and Support Sessions
Conduct group sessions, workshops, or one-on-one meetings to provide guidance, resources, and emotional support.

Monitor Progress and Adjust Plans
Regularly review client progress, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments to intervention plans to achieve the best outcomes.

Document Case Files and Report Findings
Maintain accurate records of all interactions, plans, and progress reports, ensuring transparency and effective communication among all stakeholders.

Interventionists are highly versatile professionals who can work in a range of industries dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing.

• Healthcare
• Mental Health Services
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Schools and Educational Institutions
• Not For Profit Organisations
• Government Agencies

To excel as an Interventionist, you’ll need a diverse set of skills that enable you to effectively support and empower others. These skills include:

• Empathy
• Active Listening
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Resilience
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Strong Organisational Skills
• Collaborative

Studying subjects such as psychology, sociology, counselling, social work, and human services can provide you with a solid foundation for a career as an Interventionist. These subjects will help you understand human behaviour, societal dynamics, therapeutic techniques, and ethical considerations in intervention practices. 

Additionally, courses in communication, conflict resolution, and cultural studies can enhance your interpersonal skills and cultural awareness, making you a more effective and compassionate interventionist.

As an Interventionist, you’ll have the opportunity to witness incredible transformations in people’s lives. From supporting someone on their journey to recovery from addiction to helping a student overcome academic challenges due to learning disabilities or mental health issues, every success story you contribute to will be a source of pride and inspiration. 

Whether you’re implementing innovative intervention strategies or advocating for policy changes to improve access to mental health services, your work as an Interventionist will be both meaningful and rewarding.

Transform a Community Through Creative Programmes
Launch initiatives like after school clubs, art therapy, or sports activities to engage and support young people.

Help a Family Navigate a Crisis
Step in during a critical moment to offer immediate support, guidance, and resources to a family facing a challenge.

Create Digital Tools for Mental Health Support
Develop apps or online resources that provide accessible mental health support to people in remote areas.

Implement Emergency Relief Plans
Work with local authorities to set up emergency shelters, coordinate relief efforts, and distribute resources after a disaster.

Collaborate on Research for Social Impact
Partner with universities or NFPs to research new methods for effective intervention strategies.

Host an Empowerment Workshop
Run inspiring workshops for young people, focusing on building confidence, resilience, and future planning.

Here are some passionate people advancing societal systems and advocating for better mental health supports:

Dr. Kate Armstrong

A passionate advocate for child health and development, Dr. Armstrong has implemented innovative intervention strategies in disadvantaged communities.

Rebecca Zosel

A public health interventionist known for her work in community health education and social impact initiatives across Australia.

Nina Funnell

An award-winning journalist and social change advocate, Nina has developed interventions that address gender-based violence and support survivors.

Miriam Sowerby

Specialising in education and youth empowerment, Miriam leads projects to reduce educational inequality through targeted intervention programmes.

Dr. Phil McGraw

A renowned psychologist and television personality known for his work in intervention and mental health advocacy.

Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg

A prominent adolescent psychologist and author who specialises in youth mental health and well-being.

Dr. Sarah Edelman

A clinical psychologist and author known for her expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness based interventions.

You’ll need a unique blend of personality traits that enable you to connect with others and inspire positive change. These traits include empathy, resilience, patience, compassion, adaptability, and professionalism. Additionally, having a non-judgmental attitude, strong ethical values, and a genuine desire to help others will be essential in building trust and rapport with clients.

One common pathway involves obtaining a degree in psychology, social work, counselling, or a related field from a reputable university or tertiary institution. These degrees provide you with a solid foundation in human behaviour, mental health, and therapeutic techniques, preparing you for a rewarding career as an Interventionist.

Bachelor of Social Work or Psychology

Begin with a degree in Social Work or Psychology to learn about human behaviour, social systems, and intervention techniques. Curtin University in Western Australia offers a Bachelor of Social Work, providing a strong foundation in case management, counselling, and community development.

Bachelor of Public Health

Consider a degree in Public Health to understand community health needs, develop intervention programmes, and evaluate public health policies.

Master’s in Social Work, Counselling, or Public Policy

A master’s degree in Social Work, Counselling, or Public Policy offers advanced training in designing and implementing interventions, with a focus on ethical and evidence-based practices. Murdoch University provides a Master’s in Counselling, which includes modules on crisis intervention and mental health support.

Graduate Certificate in Community Development or Health Promotion

For a shorter, focused route, consider a Graduate Certificate in Community Development or Health Promotion from institutions like The University of Western Australia (UWA). These courses cover the latest approaches in community engagement and health strategies.

Becoming an Interventionist isn’t limited to traditional degree programmes. You can also explore interdisciplinary studies and combine degrees or other types of learning to tailor your educational journey to your interests and career goals. For example, you might choose to pursue a double major in psychology and sociology to gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and societal dynamics. Alternatively, you could complement your academic studies with hands-on experience through internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities related to intervention and counselling.

During your studies to become an Interventionist, you’ll learn a wide range of knowledge and skills essential for effectively supporting individuals in need. You’ll study topics such as counselling theories and techniques, crisis intervention strategies, ethical guidelines, and cultural competence. Additionally, you’ll develop practical skills in active listening, empathy, communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution – all of which are crucial for building rapport with clients and facilitating positive change.

Gaining work experience is an integral part of preparing for a career as an Interventionist. While pursuing your education, you can seek opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, part time jobs, or volunteer positions in settings such as counselling centres, community organisations, or mental health clinics. 

These experiences allow you to apply your knowledge in real situations, develop your intervention skills, and build valuable connections in the field.

Internships with Community Organisations or NFPs

Gain practical experience by interning with community organisations or NFPs, such as Mission Australia or The Salvation Army in Perth. These internships provide opportunities to work on ongoing projects and develop intervention skills.

If you’re considering alternative pathways to becoming an Interventionist that don’t involve full university degrees, there are a few places you could start. 

Short Courses

Microlearning platforms offer short, focused courses that allow you to acquire specific skills and knowledge relevant to intervention and counselling. 

Workplace Experience

Additionally, workplace experience or training programmes provide hands on learning opportunities in a professional setting, allowing you to develop practical skills under the guidance of experienced professionals in the field.

Certifications in Crisis Intervention or Mental Health First Aid

Obtain certifications through short courses in areas such as Crisis Intervention, Mental Health First Aid, or Child Protection, offered by TAFE WA or online platforms.

Workshops on Social Impact and Community Engagement

Attend workshops on social impact and community engagement provided by organisations like Anglicare WA or Australian Red Cross. These sessions offer hands-on learning with the latest intervention techniques.

Join Social Work and Community Networks

Connect with communities like Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) or Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) to stay informed about job opportunities, new strategies, and trends in intervention.

Attend Conferences on Social Work and Public Health

Participate in events like the National Social Work Conference or the Public Health Conference to learn from industry leaders, showcase your work, and network with other professionals.

As an Interventionist, the scope for career opportunities is vast and varied, ranging from social work and healthcare to education and community development. You could work for government agencies, NFPs, educational institutions, or even start your own community project. Let’s explore where your career as an Interventionist could take you!

In Western Australia, Australia, and around the world, there is a growing demand for Interventionists in various sectors dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing. Whether you’re interested in working in healthcare settings, social services agencies, schools, or community organisations, there are numerous career opportunities available for Interventionists. By pursuing a career in intervention, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contribute to creating a brighter, more compassionate world.

Whether you pursue university education, specialised training, hands-on experience, or professional networking, there are many pathways to becoming an Interventionist. Each step brings you closer to a career where you can make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities in need.