How to become a social worker
Improve the lives of individuals, families, and groups and help them through difficult times.
Pathways to this career
Study an undergraduate degree in social work.
Already have previous tertiary qualifications? Begin your new career with a postgraduate degree in social work.
Gain experience in the industry by doing volunteer work while you study.
Stay up-to-date with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for training opportunities post-graduation.
What does a social worker do?
Social workers work in many locations including schools, nursing homes, substance abuse clinics, hospitals, and mental health facilities. Their goal is to improve the situation of those in need, addressing social problems and human rights issues.
Duties and tasks
Act as mediator to help resolve conflicts within communities.
Help individuals find the right community services for their particular needs. This may include healthcare, housing services, and employment services.
Engage in cooperative efforts with different social agencies to help clients.
Evaluate those in need in order to direct them to the appropriate services.
Write reports and maintain records of client progress.
Help those in need use available community services.
Interview clients to determine their exact level of need and where best to direct them.
Professional bodies
Related jobs
Community Worker
Health Promotion Practitioner
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Social Service Case Manager
Special Care Worker
Youth Worker
Discover related courses
UndergraduateSCU-SWK-DEG
Get professionally accredited and become a social worker
Study sociology and welfare theory, develop counselling and case management skills, and get to know Indigenous world-views. When you graduate, you’ll be equipped to help individuals and families with housing, rehabilitation, and disability services.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateUNE-SWK-DEG
Become an accredited social worker and empower individuals and communities
Learn to make a positive impact on clients' lives. You’ll study social welfare theory, engage in field education, and gain insight into social problems. Explore sociology. Build counselling and case management skills. Get ready for the challenge of social work.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work
PostgraduateSCU-SSW-GCE
Prepare for a career change to social worker
Build a foundation in social sciences to prepare for postgraduate study in social work. You’ll explore human behaviour, justice, and policy. Set yourself on the path to a rewarding career. Work towards positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Case Management and Mental Health
PostgraduateGRF-CMH-GCE
Support people with injuries, disabilities, and mental illness
Develop your human service or rehabilitation practice. You’ll build skills and knowledge to manage programs and work with clients. Explore person-centred planning and communication. Grow your connections and look forward to new opportunities.
- Study method
- 100% online
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