How do I become a social worker?

Demand for qualified social workers is on the rise, according to Job Outlook, the Australian Government’s statistical website. The occupation ceilings for skilled migration for the 2019-2020 year have been announced by the Australian Government, with social work having a ceiling of 2,128. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the assessing authority on behalf of the Australian Government for international qualifications assessments. To become a qualified social worker in Australia, you need to complete a course which is accredited by the AASW, which is Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) or a Master of Social Work (Qualifying).

The social work course equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to advocate both on an individual basis and systemically to help people, communities and society thrive and flourish. Social workers can work in many fields once they qualify, including mental health, child protection, family violence, homelessness, aged care, community development, academia and management. The AASW has a series of Scope of Practice documents which shows how social workers contribute to addressing these issues. The AASW also has a credentialing program to enable social workers to promote specialised skills to the public and the sector. These include credentials in mental health, family violence and clinical social work. We are developing further credentials currently.

Christine Craik

National President . Australian Association of Social Workers

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