The duties of a social worker in Australia depend on the field, as well as the organization you choose to work for. However, social work basically involves advocacy for the disadvantaged, elimination of social inequalities and working directly with individuals and communities. The Australian Association of Social Workers is the hub for information pertaining to social work in Australia.
Things You Will Need
Bachelor of Social Work
degree or Master of Social Work
Step 1
Obtain professional requirements. Enroll for a Bachelor of Social Work
degree or Master of Social Work at any of the universities listed on the
Australian Association of Social Workers website. Compare the course
structures of various universities to help you settle on one that is
most appropriate for you.
Step 2
Register for professional membership with AASW. Access the online
application from AASW website. Membership is open to students pursuing
an AASW approved BSW or MSW as well as professionals who are already
holding their BSW or MSW degree. Contact AASW for further details about
any other professional requirements to become a social worker.
Step 3
Get course assessment. If you have already completed a course in social
work from an institution outside Australia, visit the AASW website for
detailed information about eligibility. Locate your country's
guidelines, as well as assessment criteria. Find out which training
programs meet the eligibility requirements for AASW membership.
Step 4
Work as a volunteer. Carry out an online search for social work
organizations in Australia and make applications for volunteer positions
or social worker aides. Go to the field with social workers and get
firsthand experience in social work. The Horizon Career Center website
provides resources on volunteer opportunities and job openings in
related organizations within Australia.
Step 5
Get started in social work. Visit websites of organizations dealing with
social work and make job applications. Visit AASW website for career
tips and information, as well as jobs pages of recruitment agencies for a
list of openings. Visit major federal, state and government websites
for a list of social work openings. Get referrals from friends,
relatives and your contacts for job openings in social work.
Step 6
Visit websites of organizations dealing with social work and make job
applications. Visit AASW website for career tips and information, as
well as job pages of recruitment agencies for a list of openings. Visit
major federal, state and government websites for a list of social work
openings. Get referrals from friends, relatives and your contacts for
job openings in social work.
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Tips & Warnings
Look out for vacancy advertisements with job titles such as caseworker,
outreach worker, care coordinator, project officer, youth worker, case
manager, clinician and team leader as they require social work
qualifications.