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Aged Care Social Workers are registered professionals who work exclusively with people over 65 years of age and living in nursing homes, respite centres, and aged care facilities. They support the social and emotional wellbeing of older people — helping them stay fit, healthy, and socially connected.
As an Aged Care Social Worker you could be counselling an elderly man whose son lives overseas, organising a social group for elderly women living in assisted care, meeting with an elderly person’s carer to discuss changes in their daily routine, meeting with family members to discuss the mental state of their mother, or collaborating with aged care support staff to improve patient care services.
Social Work is a rewarding career path and to succeed in the aged care sector you’ll need excellent communication skills and a genuine desire to empower and support elderly people who are living in care.
There are 3 courses available for people who want to become an Aged Care Social Worker.
Possible job outcomes:
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is a comprehensive program aimed at preparing students to provide personalized care and support to elderly individuals. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training, students will learn to assist with daily activities, promote independence, and contribute to the well-being and quality of life of older people in various care settings. .
Average duration: 12 months.
The Master of Social Work is a comprehensive course designed to develop skilled professionals in the field of social work. It focuses on imparting knowledge and skills for effective practice in health, community services, and non-government organisations. The course emphasises ethical values, critical thinking, and the ability to implement holistic approaches, considering clients' unique backgrounds and needs. It also provides a pathway to leadership roles, preparing students to address complex social issues with empathy and professionalism in various social work environments..
Average duration: 24 months.
The Master of Advanced Social Work offers advanced skills pertinent to social work practice and social policy, addressing the increasingly complex challenges in this sector. This course focuses on developing leadership abilities and fostering connections within community, health, and human services sectors. It prepares students to significantly impact individual health and well-being, as well as contribute positively to society. This course is ideal for those seeking to elevate their role and influence in the field of social work..
The average salary for Australian Social Workers is currently $1,736 per week ($90,272 per annum). These are median figures for full-time workers and include the average salaries of new graduates as well as experienced Social Workers.
There are 35,000 Social Workers employed in Australia right now, some of these are Aged Care Social Workers. There is a growing demand for compassionate and qualified Social Workers in all parts of Australia and the future employment prospects are excellent.
Launch your career as an Aged Care Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work and then joining the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Next, complete a post-graduate qualification such as the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology or Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health, then obtain AASW certification as an Accredited Older Person’s Social Worker.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within allied health and social work. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Allied Health
Allied Health Assistant
$960 weekly pay
Allied Health Professional
Medical Imaging Assistant
$1,050 weekly pay
Anaesthetic Technician
$1,250 weekly pay
Cardiac Technician
Health Informatician
Healthcare Social Worker
$1,736 weekly pay
Hospital Social Worker
Mental Health Social Worker
Mental Health Support Worker
Paediatric Speech Pathologist
$1,850 weekly pay
Palliative Care Social Worker
Respiratory Therapist
$1,340 weekly pay
Speech Pathologist
$1,530 weekly pay
Speech Therapist
$1,875 weekly pay
Sports Therapist
Vision Therapist
$1,215 weekly pay
Aged Care Social Worker
Anaesthetist
$3,500 weekly pay
Cardiac Scientist
$1,500 weekly pay
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiotherapist
Exercise Scientist
Genetic Counsellor
$2,307 weekly pay
Global Health Advisor
$2,212 weekly pay
Hospital Scientist
Nutritional Therapist
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
$1,749 weekly pay
Rehabilitation Consultant
Social Work
Community Volunteer
Salary not available
Community Worker
$962 weekly pay
Support Worker
Volunteer Coordinator
Aboriginal Community Care Worker
Caseworker
$1,350 weekly pay
Community Arts Worker
$1,183 weekly pay
Community Corrections Officer
$1,150 weekly pay
Community Development Officer
$1,802 weekly pay
Community Development Worker
Community Outreach Coordinator
$1,616 weekly pay
Community Outreach Officer
Community Rehabilitation Worker
Community Support Worker
$1,382 weekly pay
Crisis Support Worker
Human Rights Activist
Human Rights Advocate
Human Rights Officer
Humanitarian Aid Worker
Indigenous Support Worker
International Aid Worker
Outreach Worker
Senior Support Worker
Social Justice Advocate
Social Researcher
Social Worker
Sociologist
Clinical Social Worker
Community Development Manager
$1,920 weekly pay
Social Scientist
Social Work Supervisor