In this post
Who do Social Workers Help: Australian Career Guide
Are you considering a career in social work?
The role of a social worker can be extremely varied, but often revolves around working with individuals and their families in a commitment to their human rights and social justice. So, what do social workers do? Asides from the focus on supporting people through challenging circumstances and aim to improve their overall wellbeing, there are so many other different aspects to the role of a social worker.
That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to help break down everything you need to know about this fulfilling profession.
Industry Overview
A career in social work can create exciting opportunities. With low unemployment and the prediction of strong growth within the industry in the future, working as a social worker offers fantastic job security. With 36% of social workers employed on a part-time basis, the occupation provides great flexibility for those not seeking full-time work.
- 36% – part-time worker share
- 58.8% – social workers with a bachelor’s degree
Source: Job Outlook
$70,928
average salary for professional social workers
Source: Training.com.au
What Does a Social Worker Do?
Social workers can be used by a range of diverse individuals within the society. The help involved in social work often includes spending time with their program participants and acting as an advisor to help them move forward and improve their lives. Improvements can occur through accessing resources for health, wellbeing, housing, or other community services or identifying the cause of the issues.
Often working with other social and health professionals such as doctors, counsellors, and psychologists, social work services play an important role in the journey to becoming an independent participant within society.
Typically arranged through either government, private practices, or community agencies including hospitals/health services, employment services, youth, and aged services, or care facilities, social workers can assist with issues such as:
- Mental health issues
- Disabilities
- Substance abuse
- Unemployment/professional development
- Child protection/child abuse
- Domestic violence/family violence
- Gambling
- Unemployment
- Youth behavioural issues
These issues generally involve individuals or families facing a crisis within their lives and require the assistance of a social worker. As a result, being a social worker can prove challenging at times to help people work through tough situations. Finding a social worker in Australia is generally done through either Centrelink or the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
What Skills Does a Social Worker Need?
The challenges that arise from individuals facing crises in their lives can mean that the role of a social worker can prove to be complicated. As a result, social workers need to have the ability to be empathetic and be a good listener to help those in need. Qualified social worker, Sharon Schofield, who works with young people, insists that being non-judgmental is crucial. Having a great deal of emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills is essential for social workers to help in the community effectively.
In addition to the emotional skills required to be a social worker, a sound knowledge of the social sciences is vital to understand the relationship between individuals and society as a whole. Different areas of social sciences that social workers need to understand include education, economics, psychology, and legal aspects in an effort to assist people in need. Often needing to refer clients to other social and health care services, a social worker can be considered as a case manager for people in difficult circumstances to achieve their goals.
Organisational and administrative skills are also essential for a social worker, as case management of several clients requires critical attention to detail and an ability to liaise with other support services in order to assist a client. Day-to-day tasks for a social worker can involve a great deal of registration, emailing, and sorting through resources on behalf of the client.
Skills Summary
- Empathy
- Excellent listening
- A non-judgemental attitude
- Emotional intelligence
- Problem-solving
- Knowledge of social sciences
- Organisational skills
- Administration
How Can I Become a Social Worker?
There are many great pathways to beginning a career in social work. Various aspects of social sciences can be studied to specialise in different areas of social work, such as:
These types of qualifications are great if you’re looking to focus on a particular aspect of social work.
For a broader knowledge covering different aspects of social work, a Diploma of Community Services may be worth considering if you’re looking for a versatile job. For further undergraduate degree study options, a Bachelor of Community Services is also available to have a greater understanding of how to help clients struggling with personal issues.
Ready to begin a fulfilling career?
Working as a social worker can be an incredibly rewarding profession. While offering its challenges, social workers are ultimately making a big difference within our community, resulting in an incredibly satisfying career path!
Browse Who do Social Workers Help: Australian Career Guide Results
Featured Provider
Hader Institute of Education (RTO 45162) is a leading online educator providing training services to individuals who want to pursue a career in mental health, youth work, community services, alcohol and other drugs and counselling programs. Courses are offered online and can be accessed anywhere in Australia through your home computer.
Certificate IV in Youth Work CHC40421
Our nationally recognised CHC40421 Certificate IV in Youth Work is designed to kick start your career in community services. Become a highly valued employee and learn the skills and knowledge you need to support and empower young people at risk. Unlock...
Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication BSB40820
Become a confident communicator by learning how to apply solutions for marketing and communications situations in a variety of business contexts. You will develop a range of specialist marketing skills as well as other broad business skills that will a...
Certificate III in School Based Education Support CHC30221
The CHC30221 Certificate III in School based Education Support offers the best of both worlds: the flexibility of online learning, with a practical 140 hours of work placement in a real classroom of your choosing, so you can practice and perfect what y...
Data Analytics Immersive
Get the tech skills, career advice and networking opportunities needed to start a career in Data Analytics, in as little as three months. Some of the companies that have hired GA grads in Australia are: REA Group, XERO, Culture Amp, MYOB, Macquarie Ban...
User Experience Design Immersive
Get the tech skills, career advice and networking opportunities needed to start a career in UX Design, in as little as three months. Some of the companies that have hired GA grads in Australia are: REA Group, XERO, Culture Amp, MYOB, Macquarie Bank and...
Diploma of Project Management BSB50820
The Diploma of Project Management is designed to equip graduates with the critical project management skills they need to succeed in planning, managing and delivering projects on time and to budget. You’ll learn the project scoping and quality planning...
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30121
Dive into a realm filled with potential and growth with our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, tailored for those eager to make a significant impact on children’s early years. This certification encapsulates the vital role...
Certificate in Zoology & Animal Science
Take your animal knowledge beyond everyday pets! This online exotic zoology course opens the door to a captivating world where your passion for wild animals can be realised. Upon completing this online Animal Health and Science course, you will gain a...
Certificate in Social Media Essentials
Master Social Media. This popular course bundle combines 4 social media courses. Save money and fast-track your skill development. Learn everything about social media strategy, Facebook marketing, Instagram and LinkedIn. After you’ve completed this cou...
Certificate in Photography
Are you ready to take your photography skills to the next level? Imagine picking any DSLR camera and capturing breathtaking, attention-grabbing photos. With our Photography Course Bundle, you’ll gain the expertise to create images that truly stand out....
Certificate in Personal Training and Nutrition
Get work-fit! Are you considering pursuing a career in fitness, personal training or nutrition? We’ve created one of the best value course bundles in the market to help you realise your potential in this exciting industry. All lessons are designed by l...
Certificate in Personal Training
Learn how to become a Personal Trainer! Be your own boss and carve out your fitness enterprise with this Personal Training Micro-Credential. Help people reach their personal health and fitness goals and thrive as a Personal Trainer. This course will gi...
Certificate in Nutrition and Business
Start your journey with some brain food! Are you passionate about Nutrition? Do you believe in a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating? This course has been designed for starting a business or career in Nutrition coaching and for personal trainers looki...
ACCA Qualified Pathway
Advance your career and become a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)! This Program is your gateway to a successful career in accounting and finance. Unique to The Career Academy, this Program is designed for ambitious in...
IT Career Starter Pathway
Why choose the IT Career Starter Pathway? Our IT Career Starter Pathway helps you to learn the critical skills that employers need to launch your career in IT. The pathway features two courses that provide certifications for multiple job roles and toge...
Landscape & Garden Design
Whether you’re thinking about a career in landscape design or looking to upgrade your backyard, this course has got you covered! With guidance from award-winning landscape designers, explore the entire design process: from analysing the site and using...
IT Support Technician Certification Bundle
This course is aimed at anyone looking to gain entry into the IT field as an IT Support Technician. Support Technicians are the backbone of any IT department. They ensure the smooth running of the IT within a company or organisation and offer guidance...
Cyber Security for Beginners (With Simulators)
If you’ve ever considered working within the cyber security industry, but felt you lacked the knowledge or skills to launch your career, this course might be what you’re looking for. This course bundle is aimed at absolute beginners to IT who want to s...
Cyber Security for Beginners
If you’ve ever considered working within the cyber security industry, but felt you lacked the knowledge or skills to launch your career, this cyber security for beginners course might be what you’re looking for. This course bundle is aimed at absolute...
Psychology & Mental Health Bundle
Step up your learning journey with The Career Academy Australia’s insightful Psychology and Counselling & Mental Health Bundle. Discover stress, its impact on your body, and practical management techniques. Understand how different environments sha...
Online courses also available
Latest Articles
How to Apply for Work Placement: Tips & Resources
Congratulations! You’re about to embark on an exciting journey where you will practise and develop t...
11 Hobbies That Can Make You Money: Use Your Passion for Profit
Hobbies often get a bad rap. They’re seen as just a way to kill time, a mindless escape from t...
Is The Job You Hate Killing You? Why You Need to Make a Change
Do you hate your job? Studies show that staying in a job you hate has negative health effects and ev...
Want to read more?
How to Write an Expression of Interest
Have you considered submitting an expression of interest to your dream job? Here are some tips for c...
Naturopathy and Nutrition: Careers that Help People and Pay Well
Look out for your financial security while you fulfil your passion to help others with these high-pa...
6 Types of IT Jobs That Are Great for Creative People
Often, an information technology career evokes a vision of html, codes, operating systems, cyber sec...