What does a social worker do?
Social workers provide help and support to people affected by personal and social issues including drug and alcohol addiction, physical and mental health issues, disability, homelessness, poverty, violence, discrimination and more. They provide urgent crisis support, child protection, aged care support and ongoing case management, working with clients on long-term plans to improve their living conditions. Social workers refer clients to relevant government agencies and charitable institutions, assisting them to access support. They also advocate on behalf of clients to try and promote social equality and human rights in disadvantaged communities.
Social worker skills and qualifications
Successful social workers will have demonstrated their ability to handle long, tedious, administrative and bureaucratic processes as well as high-pressure crisis situations. They should be able to take a pragmatic, results-orientated perspective to solving problems while maintaining a compassionate, empathetic approach to their clients. Navigating between various stakeholders and interest groups requires social workers to have excellent communication skills in a variety of contexts. Other skills include the following:
- Excellent communication skills, particularly with clients with impaired communication ability
- Ability to persistently navigate bureaucratic processes
- Strong interest in and compassion for the lives and experiences of others
- Ability to remain calm in a crisis situation
- Ability to provide after-hours service if necessary
- Additional language besides English highly favoured
Social worker experience requirements
For candidates looking to start a career as a social worker, some experience in a related field can be helpful, though not necessary. Examples of such positions are social services assistant or behavioural management aide. Candidates without professional experience typically start out as case workers. Once they have acquired a few years’ experience in various contexts, they can apply for more specialised positions.
Additionally, candidates wishing to work in a mental health context will need at least 2 years’ work experience before they can apply for the Accredited Mental Health Social Worker credential (AMHSW).
Social worker education and training requirements
In order to work as a social worker in Australia, candidates will need to have completed a Bachelor of Social Work. Alternatively, for candidates who have already completed another undergraduate degree, the Master of Social Work is also available for completion. Only after completing one of these qualifications will a candidate be able to register with the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Social worker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a social worker is $88,746. Actual salaries can vary depending on location, candidate experience, position seniority and the specific organisation.
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Social worker job description FAQs
What’s the difference between a social worker and a case worker?
Social worker is an umbrella term for all those who work to support clients through hardship and can refer to varying levels of seniority. Caseworker tends to be a more junior position and is assigned specific responsibility for providing a particular service to a client.
What makes a good social worker?
The best social workers are able to navigate effectively between the worlds of large bureaucratic organisations and their often disadvantaged, marginalised clients. Additionally, they have a large capacity to give but are also careful not to give too much and risk burning out.
What are the challenges of being a social worker?
Social work is an often difficult, confronting career path which requires a strong determination to serve others. The most common challenge social workers face is burnout, as they are constantly called upon to go the extra mile to help those in need. Social workers can avoid this by ensuring that they take adequate care of themselves and set boundaries when it comes to assisting their clients.
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