Social workers connect vulnerable individuals, families, and communities with appropriate support services in times of crisis. They can specialise in a wide range of areas, providing counselling and practical support, and advocating on behalf of clients who are experiencing discrimination.

If you’re passionate and empathetic and would like to help others, or if you’re interested in breaking down barriers that contribute to inequality, then social work could be a rewarding career to consider.

What skills do I need as a social worker?

Empathy and emotional maturity
Great interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently or in teams
Adaptability and problem-solving
Time management
Leadership skills
Patience and resilience
Ability to be objective

What does the job involve?

Assessing clients’ needs and finding appropriate support services
Writing letters of referral or reports for clients
Helping community groups plan and carry out programs
Monitoring the progress of clients
Advocating for clients who face barriers
Developing and refining support programs
Keeping thorough case records and reports
Lobbying to change social welfare policies and procedures

What industries do social workers typically work in?

Health Care and Social Assistance
Public Administration and Safety

What Career Cluster do social workers belong to?

Because their primary role involves liaising with clients and connecting them with important services, social workers usually belong to the Linker Cluster.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Most social workers are employed full-time, but there are some part-time opportunities available. You will be doing work in a variety of environments, including private clinics, community facilities, hospitals, and home visits. Some reporting and assessment work can be done remotely, but many clients prefer face-to-face interactions.

Most social workers can expect to earn an average salary throughout their careers.

The work can sometimes be stressful as you’ll be dealing with vulnerable people in crisis situations, so you’ll need a high level of resilience.

How to become a social worker

To become a qualified social worker, you’ll typically need to complete an accredited undergraduate degree in social work. This usually takes 3 to 4 years of full-time study and involves a combination of classroom and practical work.

After graduation, you’ll need to register with your country’s professional social work body to practise. Many social workers also pursue postgraduate qualifications to specialise in a specific area, such as mental health, child protection, or community development.

You’ll also need to undertake continuing professional development throughout your career to maintain your registration and stay current with best practices.

What can I do right now to work towards this career?

If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if becoming a social worker is right for you, here are a few things you could do right now:

Get out in your community and volunteer – it doesn’t necessarily need to be in social services. This is a great way to build important future skills.
Seek work experience with social service agencies, hospitals, or community centres.
Talk to a social worker and ask what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, watch videos or documentaries about a career in social services.

Where can I find out more?

Similar careers to social worker

Snapshot of William Angliss Institute