Social Welfare Officers have great communication skills and a good understanding of the prevailing social issues and how they impact people (as well the wider community). To be effective, you’ll also need computing skills and be able to prepare documents and use spreadsheets.
The best way to start your career as a social welfare officer is to focus on an area you find interesting or have a calling to serve — such as mental health, drug and alcohol, family and domestic violence, youth work, disability, or aged care — then complete a Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma in that field.
Alternately, you could enrol in a Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Health and Community Services. All social welfare officers will also benefit from supporting qualifications in counselling, community health, and communication.
Source: Labour Market Insights 2023, Health Education and Training NSW