Social Worker
As a social worker you have the important job of assisting human wellbeing. You can work with individuals, families, groups and communities to address any issues that may be creating injustice or inequality.
What the job looks like
Salary expectation
starts at $37,624 up to $78,937+
The good
- Being able to help people and improve their quality of life
- Meeting different people
- Continually learning as each client and situation is different
- Solving problems
The not so good
- Making decisions that affect people’s lives
- Dealing with confronting and emotional situations at times
A career as a social worker can be demanding but also rewarding. In the profession you will practice a commitment to human rights and social justice for people of all ages and backgrounds.
You will investigate and help address issues that are imacting on a person's wellbeing or creating injustice. Social workers provide a range of support including counselling, providing family support, assisting people in correctional facilities and ensuring hospital patients receive adequate care when they are discharged.
As well as being involved in casework and counseling you might also work in policy development or education.
Writing reports is a big part of being a social worker. English skills will help you write accurate reports free of grammatical mistakes. You might also write letters to services asking for assistance for you client or you could also help your client write a resume. Communication skills are also essential to establish a trusting and open relationship with your client.
If you are passionate about helping people and can handle emotional situations, then a career as a social worker could be for you.
It’s a very fulfilling job, you’re making a difference in peoples lives.
Pathways to this career
Subject suggestions for the HSC
Choosing your HSC subjects from this list could really help with your career. Think carefully about what you want to study after school as you might need to choose specific HSC subjects for that course and to count towards your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). An ATAR is your academic rank in relation to other HSC students and helps with University admission.
HSC subjects
Some subjects will count towards your ATAR, others will not. Check with your career advisor before making subject selections.
- English (Advanced or higher)
- Mathematics (General 2 or higher)
- Legal Studies
- Community and Family Studies
- Society and Culture
- Aboriginal Studies
What can I do after I have finished school?
University degrees
Studying one of these degrees can help with your career.
- Bachelor of Social Science
Courses and qualifications
Courses and qualifications can give you a great start.
- Diploma of Community Services Work
- Certificate IV in Community Services Work
Suggestions
Check out Australian Association of Social Workers for more information
- Talk to your career advisor about opportunities for work experience. This might be something you can look into for Year 10 placement
- See if you can get casual administration work at your local hospital. Most have social work services so if you are not able to work directly in that area, you should be able to make some contacts
- Keep up to date with news and policy changes
- Go to career expos and events like university Open Days for information about what you will study
