Would you like to be a

Social Worker?
Social Work
The social work profession is committed to the pursuit and
maintenance of human wellbeing. Social work aims to
maximise the development of human potential and the
fulfilment of human needs through an equal commitment to:

working with Australias First Peoples
working with and supporting people to achieve the best
possible levels of personal and social wellbeing
working to address and redress inequity and injustice
affecting the lives of clients, client groups and socially
disadvantaged
working to achieve human rights and social justice through
social development, social and systemic change, advocacy
and the ethical conduct of research.
What is a Social Worker?
Social workers help people to deal with personal and social
problems, either directly or by planning or carrying out programs
that benefit groups or communities.

Social workers provide a wide range of services to help people
who are distressed or overwhelmed by problems such as poverty,
substance abuse, homelessness, conflict or parental difficulties.

With its focus on helping people in need, social work is a
profession committed to social justice and respect for human
rights.

Many social workers contribute to policy development, evaluate
programs, and lobby to change social welfare policies and
procedures in the pursuit of social justice for all members of the
community.
What does a Social Worker
do?
engage in interpersonal practice
including casework, counselling, clinical
intervention

support individuals, families or groups
through a crisis or disadvantage such as
death or illness, relationship breakdown,
disability, homelessness, domestic
violence, social isolation or other reasons
.

provide clients with information on
services to assist them

provide letters of referral or reports that
will help clients to obtain other services
such as crisis accommodation or social
security benefits

guide small groups of people to share
their experiences, support each other and
learn social skills

Social workers typically do the following things:
help community groups to plan and
carry out programs to help themselves
(e.g. assisting newly arrived immigrants to
form an association)

research community problems, needs
and solutions through client contact and
records of welfare and health agencies

contribute to policy development and
evaluate programs. Lobby to change
social welfare policies and procedures in
the pursuit of social justice for all
members of the community

manage and train staff

work with individuals, families,
partnerships, communities and group


Social Work Specialisations
Supporting people with addictions

Helping in aged care situations

Ensuring child protection

Coordinating disability services

Advocating for social justice

Facilitating access to medical and
health care

Providing interventions and support to
psychiatric and general mental health
care

Engaging vulnerable Youth
Personal Attributes of a Social Worker
Has a strong commitment to social justice and human rights

Has strong emotional maturity

Has keen analytical abilities

Enjoys working with people

Is able to view other people's problems objectively

Good organisational and communication skills

Is able to work independently or as part of a team

Is able to manage complex human situations in which people in significant
distress

Is non-judgmental of others
Work Situations of a Social Worker
Some social workers travel to visit clients, including home visits,
or run group meetings. In country areas they may travel long
distances. They may also be involved in private practice,
research or teaching.

Some social workers are self-employed, working as counsellors,
therapists and consultants.

With their broad academic and practical training, qualified social
workers may also work in areas including as project officers,
policy makers or administrators.

Some social workers manage and lead organisations, get
involved in politics and advocate for particular groups or social
issues.
Employment Opportunities
Social workers may be employed in:

Hospitals

Government and private welfare departments (such as employment
services, child protection, justice, housing and youth services)

Community and mental health settings

Disability and aged care centres

Schools

Many other locations...

International
Australian qualified social workers are highly regarded internationally,
and can practice around the world, in both developed and developing
countries.
Although they share common social work values, knowledge and skills,
there are different types of employment access processes and
procedures.
Education & Training
To become a Social Worker you need to complete an AASW
Accredited Social Work degree (either a BSW or MSW (Q)) at an
Australian University.

Requirements for university entry may vary between universities, and some
institutions also specialise in different fields of Social Work.

Many courses require a period of field education. There is an expectation that
students participate in at least two field placements.

You should research a number of courses and ensure you undertake the best
option that suits you based on location and the programs offered. Wherever you
choose to study, its key to ensure that the course is an AASW Accredited
Social Work degree.

Your AASW Accredited Social Work degree is just the beginning of professional
learning. Learning continues in the workplace and many social workers
continue to learn through Continued Professional Development.

Postgraduate study options enable social workers to specialise in many fields.
Advanced Practice Master degrees allow graduates to pursue research
interests and gain further professional research skills.
Professional Standards & Ethics
As the professional association for
social workers, the Australian
Association of Social Workers
(AASW) is the standard-setting
body for Social Work in Australia
and many jobs require eligibility for
membership of the AASW.
Australian Association of Social Workers
The Australian Association of Social Workers is the
professional representative body for social workers in
Australia.

The AASW is a member of the International Federation
of Social Workers (IFSW).

We have almost 6,900 members nation-wide

There are 10 branches located in every state and
territory.

We also have a vibrant community of national and
practice groups further supporting the work of the
Association.
The AASW exists
to:
Promote the profession of social work

Enhance the public and professional recognition and identity of
social work

Establish, monitor and improve practice and ethical standards

Contribute to the development of social work knowledge and
research

Develop, review and accredit the education standards for social
workers

Advocate for the pursuit of social justice and changes to social
structures and policies in order to promote social inclusion and
redress social disadvantage

Promote and facilitate members professional development and life-
long learning

Represent and advocate for the interests of members as a group
Our Members




AASW members are employed by
commonwealth, state and local
governments, not for profit organisations
and as private practitioners.

They work in a diverse range of settings
including health, mental health, income
security, child and family welfare, housing
and disability services. Some members
are also employed as academics,
researchers and teachers.





For more information:

Visit: www.aasw.asn.au

Call: 1800 630 124


Education & Training:
Australian Capital Territory
To become a professional Social Worker
you need to complete an AASW Accredited
Social Work qualification (BSW or
MSW(Q)).
To get into these courses you usually need
to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12.
Prerequisite subjects, or assumed
knowledge, in one or more of English and
mathematics are normally required. The
various universities have different
prerequisites and some have flexible entry
requirements. Courses are also offered via
distance education. Contact the
universities you are interested in for more
information.

The following ACT university offers a
Bachelor of Social Work, 4 years full time
or equivalent.
AASW Accredited Social Work Qualifications
in ACT:

Australian Catholic University


PLEASE NOTE: Courses are subject to change
from time-to-time. Please check with the university
concerned for up-to-date details.
Education & Training:
New South Wales
To become a professional Social Worker
you need to complete an AASW Accredited
Social Work qualification (BSW or
MSW(Q)).
To get into these courses you usually need
to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12.
Prerequisite subjects, or assumed
knowledge, in one or more of English and
mathematics are normally required. The
various universities have different
prerequisites and some have flexible entry
requirements. Courses are also offered via
distance education. Contact the following
NSW universities you are interested in for
more information.
AASW Accredited Social Work Qualifications
in NSW:

Australian Catholic University

Charles Sturt University

University of New England

University of New South Wales

University of Newcastle

University of Sydney

University of Western Sydney
PLEASE NOTE: Courses are subject to
change from time-to-time. Please check
with the university concerned for up-to-
date details.
Education & Training:
Northern Territory
To become a professional Social Worker
you need to complete an AASW Accredited
Social Work qualification (BSW or
MSW(Q)).
To get into the course below you usually
need to gain your NTCET. Courses are
also offered via distance education.
Contact the universities you are interested
in for more information.
AASW Accredited Social Work Qualifications
in NT:

Charles Darwin University


PLEASE NOTE: Courses are subject to change from
time-to-time. Please check with the university
concerned for up-to-date details.
Education & Training:
Queensland
To become a professional Social Worker
you need to complete an AASW Accredited
Social Work qualification (BSW or
MSW(Q)).
To get into the courses below you usually
need to gain your QCE with English.
Applicants may also be required to provide
a written statement and/or references. The
various universities have different
prerequisites and some have flexible entry
requirements. Courses are also offered by
distance education.
AASW Accredited Social Work Qualifications
in QLD:

Australian Catholic University

Central Queensland University

Griffith University

James Cook University

Queensland University of Technology

University of Queensland

University of the Sunshine Coast


PLEASE NOTE: Courses are subject to
change from time-to-time. Please check
with the university concerned for up-to-
date details.
Education & Training:
South Australia
To become a professional Social Worker
you need to complete an AASW Accredited
Social Work qualification (BSW or
MSW(Q)). To get into the course below you
usually need to gain your SACE. Courses
are also offered via distance education.
Contact the universities you are interested
in for more information.
AASW Accredited Social Work Qualifications
in SA:

University of South Australia

Flinders University of South Australia


PLEASE NOTE: Courses are subject to change
from time-to-time. Please check with the university
concerned for up-to-date details.
Education & Training:
Tasmania
To become a professional Social Worker
you need to complete an AASW Accredited
Social Work qualification (BSW or
MSW(Q)). To get into the courses you
usually need to gain your TCE and
complete at least part of a relevant degree.
The University also has flexible entry
requirements. Contact the University of
Tasmania for more information.
AASW Accredited Social Work Qualifications
in TAS:

University of Tasmania
PLEASE NOTE: Courses are subject to change
from time-to-time. Please check with the university
concerned for up-to-date details.
Education & Training:
Western Australia
To become a professional Social Worker
you need to complete an AASW Accredited
Social Work qualification (BSW or
MSW(Q)). To get into the courses below
you usually need to gain your WACE at
Stages 2 and 3. The universities have
different prerequisites and may have
flexible entry requirements. Courses are
also offered by distance education.
Contact the universities you are interested
in for more information.
AASW Accredited Social Work Qualifications
in WA:

University of Western Australia

Curtin University

Edith Cowan University
PLEASE NOTE: Courses are subject to change from
time-to-time. Please check with the university
concerned for up-to-date details.
Education & Training:
Victoria
To become a professional Social Worker
you need to complete an AASW Accredited
Social Work qualification (BSW or
MSW(Q)). To get into the courses below
you usually need to gain your VCE with
English. The universities have different
prerequisites and may have flexible entry
requirements. Courses are also offered by
distance education. Contact the
universities you are interested in for more
information.
AASW Accredited Social Work Qualifications
in VIC:

Deakin University

La Trobe University

Monash University

RMIT University

University of Melbourne

Victoria University of Technology
PLEASE NOTE: Courses are subject to change
from time-to-time. Please check with the university
concerned for up-to-date details.