How to become a social worker

Social workers are in huge demand across Australia, with social work being one of the fastest-growing occupations nationally and globally.

To become a social worker, you’ll need to fulfil some steps before taking up this career. In this article, we’ll discuss how to become a social worker in Australia, the qualifications needed and the opportunities that are currently available within the field.

What is a social worker?

Social workers provide essential support to those in need. Khadine Aharon is a social worker with a Bachelor of Social Work. She runs her own private practice and gave us a glimpse of the diversity of the role.

“A social worker will look into all of the structures affecting a client,” she explains. “It’s our job to look at a whole range of factors that may be affecting our client’s life. Social work is also holistic in its approach. As social workers, we tend to ask what’s happening in the environment, and we look at what’s happening in this system for this person. It’s about access, equity and social justice.”

What does a social worker do in Australia?

Whether you’re hoping to work with individuals, families or the wider community, social work offers many diverse career paths. Here are some of the responsibilities of this role:

• acting as a facilitator between clients and local community services
• assessing resources available within the community
• providing counselling for individuals and families
• providing help with emergency accommodation
• helping to source financial support
• providing support with health or legal services

How to become a social worker

1. Consider if it’s the right career path for you

Social work covers a wide range of areas. So if you’re considering a career within this field, Aharon recommends thinking about what matters most to you.

“Before choosing a course, think about your career goals and what you’re passionate about. Are you passionate about working with kids? Are you passionate about working with older adults? Are you passionate about policy and research?”

If you’re unsure, she suggests volunteering in the field to gain real insight into some of the things you may encounter in your career as a social worker. You could also consider key social worker skills, such as emotional intelligence and communication skills, to possess in order to succeed in the role.

Another critical factor is the flexibility of the program. Studying social work online is an excellent option for those who need to balance their studies with work or family commitments. Online programs provide the same academic rigour as on-campus courses, with the added benefit of flexibility and convenience.

2. Complete a university degree in social work

To become a qualified social worker in Australia, at a minimum you must have a bachelor's degree in social work.

If you already hold an undergraduate degree in a related field or wish to make a career change, a postgraduate qualification in social work is a great pathway to becoming a social worker. For example, you could complete a two-year master’s in social work accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) to start your social work career.

3. Commit to ongoing specialised training

Undertaking professional development every year is vital for social workers to keep their knowledge and skills current. Committing to ongoing training and obtaining specialised skill sets can increase your value in the job market. The good news is that if you’re entering social work from other healthcare fields such as nursing, counselling, psychology or occupational therapy, you’ll likely already be completing regular professional development as part of your role.

Where can social workers find employment opportunities?

Social workers can work in a variety of settings, including:

• hospitals
• schools
• community health centres
• aged care facilities
• government agencies
• private practices
• alcohol and drug services
• refugee facilities
• correctional institutions

How much do social workers earn in Australia? 

Salaries for social workers in Australia vary depending on the sector and the setting in which they find themselves working. The average annual salary for social worker jobs in Australia ranges from $80,000 to $100,000.

Take the next step in your social work career