Social Worker

A social worker is somebody who helps people navigate everyday issues brought on by a range of factors, including but not limited to, physical and mental health, income, illness, injustice and changed circumstances such as divorce. They can work with individuals, small groups or entire communities depending on the position and location of the role. Duties can involve everything from meeting with those in need to provide resources and develop programs to helping shape policy with key decision makers and stakeholders.

Social workers must be prepared to help clients work through difficult situations and circumstances, including homelessness, sexual abuse, domestic violence, drug addiction and more. As a social worker, you will be fully equipped with knowledge of helpful resources, such as pertinent literature, refuge contact information, hotline numbers, applicable government aid and other places to which those in need can turn for help. Social workers can specialise in certain areas like older clients, children and those who have experienced certain types of hardship.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $88,400
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a social worker?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Social Work
Blended, On Campus, Online
4 years
$0 - $100,160
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Social Worker Caseworker Social Welfare Officer
Aged Care Social Worker Family Support Worker Mental Health Social Worker Community Liaison Officer Community Volunteer Correctional Case Manager Art Therapist Public Service Officer Community Worker Human Rights Activist Multicultural Liaison Officer Youth Support Officer Community Services Officer Community Psychologist Hospital Social Worker Youth Engagement Officer Humanitarian Aid Worker Youth Adviser Human Rights Officer International Aid Worker Clinical Social Worker Community Advocate Youth Advocate Aged Care Coordinator Mental Health Specialist Youth Minister Community Recovery Officer
+ 27 more

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Blended, On Campus, Online
24 months
$0 - $57,776
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Mental Health Social Worker Social Worker Clinical Social Worker
Hospital Social Worker
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Mental Health Social Worker Social Worker Clinical Social Worker Hospital Social Worker + 1 more

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 years
$0 - $105,280
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Healthcare Social Worker Hospital Social Worker Palliative Care Social Worker
Social Worker Community Development Officer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Healthcare Social Worker Hospital Social Worker Palliative Care Social Worker Social Worker Community Development Officer + 2 more

Master of Social Work
On Campus, Online
24 months
$0 - $71,280
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Aged Care Social Worker Clinical Social Worker Mental Health Social Worker
Healthcare Social Worker Social Worker
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Aged Care Social Worker Clinical Social Worker Mental Health Social Worker Healthcare Social Worker Social Worker + 2 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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Common questions

How much do Social Workers earn?

In Australia, a full time social worker generally earns $1,700 per week ($88,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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What are the job opportunities for Social Workers?

The social worker industry has been growing strongly and looks set to continue doing so. As of May 2019, there were approximately 40,000 social workers in Australia. That number is expected to grow to more than 50,000 by May 2024. From 2018 to 2023, there is expected to be about 4,600 job openings per year.

Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections and Australian Government Job Outlook

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How long does it take to become a Social Worker?

Often the area of social work in which you want to specialise will determine the proper course of study. In general, you need a more advanced qualification like a Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate IV in Mental Health or Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs. Depending on if you're studying online or on campus, full time or part time, these can take around 12 to 18 months to complete. However, some social worker jobs might require a more advanced diploma or masters degree in social work. You might also need to obtain other checks based on your desired role, including a national police check, a working with children check and a first aid certificate.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

What do social workers do?

11th December 2019)

How to start a career in Social Work

18th May 2021)

How to start a career in counselling

7th September 2020)

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