Social Worker
An important and challenging role as an advocate for social justice and human rights.
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What's it like to be a Social Worker?
Social Workers work with individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance their wellbeing and address disadvantage and marginalisation.
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Social Workers play an important role in advocating for social justice, human rights, social change and development.
Social Workers may provide case management, counselling and advocacy to address issues at the personal and social level in a variety of settings including crisis support, child protection, aged care, disability, homelessness, drug and alcohol, healthcare, education or policy.
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What can I earn as a Social Worker?
Find out the average salary for a Social Worker across Australia
Latest Social Worker jobs on SEEK
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How to become a Social Worker
To work as a Social Worker in Australia, you need to complete a Bachelor of Social Work. This course provides both theory and clinical placement experiences.
- Complete a bachelor degree in social work. Alternatively, if you already have a tertiary qualification you can complete a two-year Master of Social Work.
- Apply for registration with the professional representative body of social workers in Australia – the Australian Association of Social Workers.
- Social workers with several years’ experience can move into more specialised roles in family therapy, research, mental health, academia or policy and management.
- To gain experience in the industry and to boost your resume, you can volunteer with a helpline or other more direct support roles.
Explore related qualifications
SEEK users who have worked as a Social Worker have studied these qualifications.
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Bachelor of Social Work
This degree will provide you with the specialist skills and knowledge for a career as a Social Worker.
Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)
If you have already completed an undergraduate degree, this qualification will prepare you for a career as a Social Worker.
Bachelor of Arts
This qualification gives you broad skills and knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation to get you started in your career.
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Social WorkPsychologyAHPRA RegistrationCase ManagementChild Protection ServicesEvidence Based PracticeClinical PracticeFamily Violence SupportQuality ImprovementVaccinationSkills listed in your SEEK Profile
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Is Social Worker the right role for me?
Working hours for Social Workers
Overtime
Weekends
Shift work
Late nights
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Never
Job market trends for Social Workers
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Latest Social Worker reviews
Latest reviews from 77 Social Workers surveyed on SEEK
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Social work has given me an enormous amount of fulfillment. It can be hard at times but it is rewarding and I am so glad I chose it as a career
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Social Work
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Large (200+ employees)
Specialisation
Perinatal Drug health
The good things
Social Work is a fantastic career, it has diversity and interest which creates longevity in the role
Being a social worker feels important, and assists you in your own personal growth and interpersona...
The challenges
As a Social Worker, you are often working with people who have experienced trauma and vicarious trauma can be something that is challenging. Sometimes it is hard to "switch off" and in some areas this...
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Social Work is a tough job, and can sometimes really impact you emotionally and be difficult. But if you love helping people and really want to support people in need through thier journey, I wouldn't do anything else.
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Social Work
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
Medium (20-199 employees)
Specialisation
Social Work
The good things
The good things about being in social work is directly working with clients and supporting them through their physical and emotional journey toward betterment. You also learn incredible things about l...
The challenges
The challenges are that most organisations/agencies do not have a lot of resources, so you are working trying to use somewhat limited resources to still support clients. Moreover, job security can som...
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Source: SEEK Role Reviews
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