How to become a Social Worker

Assesses the biopsychosocial needs of individuals, families and groups, assists and empowers people to develop and use skills and resources needed to resolve social and other problems, and furthers human wellbeing and human rights, social justice and social development.

Main tasks

• Conducts biopsychosocial and risk assessments to assist individuals and families to resolve their presented problems
• Provides case management services, and negotiates and mediates strategies related to clients' needs
• Works with clients to develop and deliver individualised casework practice, group counselling and support plans
• Promotes clients' agency and rights to access resources and community services
• Supports clients in legal and administrative proceedings, including assessment reports and providing information or evidence in court
• Provides supervision and peer support to other Social Workers to address ethical dilemmas, gaps in practice and areas of avoidance
• Analyses, develops, promotes and implements social policies to respond to social needs
• Collaborates with government, community organisations, social agencies, volunteer groups and other stakeholders to improve and develop services, and address structural inequalities

Ways in

• University: Social Work & Community degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021); Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management (CHC82015); Graduate Certificate in Statutory Child Protection (CHC81215)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $112,944 a year
• About 49,800 people work in this job group now, and about 62,500 are projected by 2035. (+25.3%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Counsellor (General)
• Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor
• Family and Relationship Counsellor
• Psychotherapist
• Rehabilitation Counsellor
• School Counsellor

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Social Worker?

Ways in include: Social Work & Community degrees; Diploma of Community Services; Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management.

How much does a Social Worker earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $112,944 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Social Worker a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 25% by 2035, from about 49,800 to about 62,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Social Worker?

Usually. 82% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Social Worker?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04