Postcode:
Resident:
Employed:
Palliative Care Social Workers are registered professionals who work with terminally-ill patients and people approaching the end of life. They help their clients (as well as families and carers) navigate the medical system as well as the emotional challenges associated with death and dying.
As a Palliative Care Social Worker you could be helping a patient’s family members understand their father’s medication and pain management needs, connecting a non-English speaking patient with a spiritual leader from their religion, encouraging a terminally-ill patient to participate in social activities, counselling a patient with a chronic illness who is experiencing anxiety and depression, or helping the spouse of a coma patient understand their options.
Palliative Care Social Work is a rewarding career path but can be very stressful. To succeed in this occupation you’ll need excellent communication skills and the willingness to engage in your own self-care and emotional wellbeing.
There are 2 courses available for people who want to become a Palliative Care Social Worker.
Possible job outcomes:
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) prepares students for professional social work roles in the health, community services, or non-government sectors. It also serves as a pathway to leadership positions in social work and related fields. This course develops expertise in social work values and practices, focusing on holistic approaches tailored to clients' specific circumstances, backgrounds, and needs. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective and empathetic leadership in social work..
Average duration: 24 months.
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is a transformative journey towards becoming a social worker, enabling students to positively impact lives and foster healthier relationships and communities. This degree emphasises practical skills for making a meaningful difference, under the direct guidance of industry professionals and practising social workers. It offers experience in various human services, including mental health, social work counselling, community work, sociology, psychology, and engagement with Indigenous communities..
Average duration: 4 years.
The average salary for Australian Social Workers is currently $1,736 per week ($90,272 per annum). Increase your earning potential by undertaking post-graduate studies and becoming an accredited Clinical Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
There are 35,000 Social Workers employed in Australia right now, some of these are Palliative Care Social Workers. There is a growing demand for compassionate and qualified Social Workers in all parts of Australia and the future employment prospects are excellent.
You can become a Palliative Care Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work and then joining the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). You should also undertake post-graduate qualifications and professional development training in death, dying, and grief counselling.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within allied health and social work. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Allied Health
Allied Health Assistant
$960 weekly pay
Allied Health Professional
Medical Imaging Assistant
$1,050 weekly pay
Anaesthetic Technician
$1,250 weekly pay
Cardiac Technician
Healthcare Social Worker
$1,736 weekly pay
Hospital Social Worker
Mental Health Social Worker
Mental Health Support Worker
Palliative Care Social Worker
Speech Pathologist
$1,530 weekly pay
Sports Therapist
Anaesthetist
$3,500 weekly pay
Exercise Physiologist
$1,500 weekly pay
Exercise Scientist
Genetic Counsellor
$2,307 weekly pay
Nutritional Therapist
Social Work
Community Volunteer
Salary not available
Community Worker
$962 weekly pay
Support Worker
Volunteer Coordinator
Aboriginal Community Care Worker
Caseworker
$1,350 weekly pay
Community Arts Worker
$1,183 weekly pay
Community Corrections Officer
$1,150 weekly pay
Community Development Officer
$1,802 weekly pay
Community Development Worker
Community Support Worker
$1,382 weekly pay
Crisis Support Worker
Humanitarian Aid Worker
Outreach Worker
Senior Support Worker
Social Worker
Community Development Manager
$1,920 weekly pay