Social workers play a crucial role in helping individuals, families and communities navigate life’s challenges. Whether working in hospitals, schools, government agencies or non-profits, social workers can specialise in various areas, such as children and family services, criminal justice, community outreach, aged care, and disability support. No two days are the same for a social worker, as each day presents unique challenges, diverse client needs and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
If you’re wondering, “How do I become a social worker?”, ACAP has got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the steps on how to become a social worker in Australia, from education qualifications to essential skills, salary expectations, and the rewarding career opportunities that lie ahead.
What is SOCIAL WORK?
Social work is part of the allied health sector. A social worker’s primary goal is to help individuals navigate life’s challenges, whether they arise from personal difficulties, social inequalities or systemic barriers. Core responsibilities of a social worker often include assessment and case management, advocacy, counselling, crisis intervention and community development. Through this work, social workers make a significant impact in improving wellbeing and fostering positive change.
What is a SOCIAL WORKER?
A social worker helps people face a wide range of issues, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, homelessness, family conflicts, and more. A typical day for a social worker may involve assessing clients’ needs, connecting them with essential resources and services, and offering support and counselling. While this may vary depending on what specialisation you choose when you become a social worker, the essence of the role is to empower individuals to overcome difficulties and enhance their quality of life.
How to become a SOCIAL WORKER in Australia
Now that you have more of an idea of what a social worker does, you might be wondering, “How do I become a social worker?”. A common pathway for how to become a social worker in Australia is completing a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW); a four-year full-time degree accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
When you study social work, you will dive into human behaviour, social policy and the systems that impact individuals and communities. As you progress in your studies, you’ll learn more about how to be a social worker and the various responsibilities that come with the role. You’ll also get the chance to explore areas with an applied focus, such as Indigenous social work, psychology of health and wellness, and ageing and disability.
Looking for how to become a social worker to get further, faster? If you already hold a degree in a related discipline such as psychology, nursing or allied health, you can study a two-year Master of Social Work (Qualifying). This postgraduate program offers a pathway into the profession for those with relevant undergraduate qualifications, allowing you to enter the workforce quicker. Due to the sensitive nature of social work, students are also required to complete a National Police Check as part of the course. You can check out the full entry requirements here.
As you learn more about how to be a social worker, you’ll also gain hands-on experience through the work integrated learning (WIL) component of these courses, completing at least 1000 hours in real-world settings.
Many students find this incredibly rewarding, as it often confirms they’re on the right path to becoming a social worker. It’s a great opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the role of a social worker, explore different areas of practice, and build valuable professional connections.
Another postgraduate option for social work studies is the Graduate Certificate of Human Services; a 26-week course (full-time) that provides students with specific knowledge in sociology, social policy-making, Indigenous issues and professional communications.
A key tip for how to become a social worker in Australia is to join the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The AASW sets the professional standards for the field, and being a member comes with a range of benefits, including ongoing professional development, support with navigating ethical dilemmas, job guidance and networking opportunities. The association has student memberships on offer; however many employers require you to have a full AASW membership when you begin working professionally.
Frequently asked questions about HOW TO BECOME A SOCIAL WORKER
WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED TO BE A SOCIAL WORKER?
Now that you have a better understanding of how to become a social worker, there are several essential skills that are valuable for your career in social work. Some key qualities that make an effective social worker are:
- Empathy and Compassion: Social workers must be able to understand and connect with their clients’ experiences, providing support without judgement.
- Active Listening and Communication: Effective communication is essential in social work, not only to build trust with clients but also to collaborate with colleagues, other service providers, and community members.
- Cultural Competence: Social workers engage with diverse populations, so an understanding of different cultural backgrounds, values and experiences is vital for providing inclusive and effective support.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Each client presents unique challenges, and social workers need to be creative in finding solutions that fit individual circumstances.
- Resilience and Self-Care: Social work can be emotionally demanding, particularly when dealing with trauma, crisis situations or systemic barriers. Resilience and self-care are important to maintain wellbeing and to prevent burnout.
What aRE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOCIAL WORKERS?
Social work is a popular career choice because of the wide range of career opportunities available. Some of the key areas of specialisation are:
- Child Protection: Working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children at risk.
- Aged Care: Supporting older adults and their families, often helping them navigate healthcare, housing and social services.
- Mental Health: Social workers in mental health settings provide therapy, support and crisis intervention to individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation: Helping individuals overcome addiction and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Community Development: Working at a community level to address systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to services.
- Disability Services: Supporting individuals with disabilities to access the resources, support and services they need to live independently.
HOW MUCH DO SOCIAL WORKERS EARN?
According to Talent, the average salary for a social worker in Australia is $94,904 per year, although this can vary depending on your level of experience and location. Entry-level social workers typically earn about $84,021 per year, while more experienced professionals can earn upwards of $116,476 annually. Salaries can also be higher in regional and remote areas, where there is a greater need for social workers.
ARE SOCIAL WORKERS IN HIGH DEMAND?
Yes! Social work is one of the fastest-growing fields in Australia, with a projected growth rate of 15.9% from May 2023 to 2028. The demand is particularly strong in areas such as mental health, child protection, aged care and disability services, where there is a growing need for professionals to support vulnerable populations in Australia. As societal challenges such as mental health crises, aging populations, and social inequalities increase, the role of social workers has become more critical.
You’ll also find the demand is higher in regional and remote areas, and often employers offer incentives like accommodation assistance, a rural or regional health allowance, help with relocation costs, and additional personal leave to promote working and living in these communities.
HOW HARD IS IT TO BE A SOCIAL WORKER?
While the journey to becoming a social worker can be challenging as you find your feet, many students feel that the rewarding experiences far outweigh any difficulties. With the right self-care strategies in place, like those covered in our Bachelor of Social Work, you can enjoy a rewarding career in social work for many years to come.
READY TO BEGIN YOUR SOCIAL WORK CAREER?
Let’s get you started on a rewarding and impactful career path! Explore ACAP’s range of professionally accredited social work courses to see how to become a social worker and which one best suit your needs.
At ACAP, we provide a range of flexible study options including on-campus and online study, with the option to study full time or part time, depending on your chosen course.
Still wondering, “How do I become a social worker?” Contact our friendly Course Advisors who are ready to answer any more questions you may have and help you start your social work journey with ACAP today!