Social Worker Courses
Social workers assist individuals and communities in overcoming challenges related to health, income, and social issues, offering resources and policy support.
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AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Social Worker
Get qualified to work as a Social Worker with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
CHC52021
Duration
4 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
The CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares students for leadership roles in the community services sector. Students will develop advanced skills in advocacy, social justice, policy development, and program design. Graduates can work in leadership roles, such as community services manager, program manager, or social policy analyst, in government and non-government organisations.
Career opportunities
Duration
4 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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CHC52025
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, RPL
The CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares students for leadership roles in the community services sector. Students will develop advanced skills in advocacy, social justice, policy development, and program design. Graduates can work in leadership roles, such as community services manager, program manager, or social policy analyst, in government and non-government organisations.
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, RPL
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CHCPRT025
Duration
Half day - 3 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
The CHCPRT025 Identify and Report Children and Young People at Risk course is an approved child protection training required by government protocol. It covers recognising signs of abuse and neglect, and understanding types of abuse. This unit outlines skills to identify and report at-risk children and young people according to legislative requirements. It applies to workers in roles providing services to children and young people, including community services, education, childcare, and health contexts.
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Career opportunities
Duration
Half day - 3 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
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Estimated fee
From $37,248
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
The Bachelor of Social Work provides the skills and knowledge you need to help vulnerable people, advocate for social change, and inspire more just systems and public policy. With this degree you could specialise in mental health, welfare services, homelessness, family support, youth work, drug and alcohol, correctional services.
The program covers: introduction to sociology and human services, Australian social policy, social work for indigenous Australians, social justice in practice, public health a...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $37,248
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Social Worker.
Common questions
How much do Social Workers earn?
In Australia, a full time social worker generally earns $1,700 per week ($88,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for Social Workers?
The social worker industry has been growing strongly and looks set to continue doing so. As of May 2019, there were approximately 40,000 social workers in Australia. That number is expected to grow to more than 50,000 by May 2024. From 2018 to 2023, there is expected to be about 4,600 job openings per year.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections and Australian Government Job Outlook
How long does it take to become a Social Worker?
Often the area of social work in which you want to specialise will determine the proper course of study. In general, you need a more advanced qualification like a Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate IV in Mental Health or Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs. Depending on if you're studying online or on campus, full time or part time, these can take around 12 to 18 months to complete. However, some social worker jobs might require a more advanced diploma or masters degree in social work. You might also need to obtain other checks based on your desired role, including a national police check, a working with children check and a first aid certificate.
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If you're passionate about creating real change then a community services course is your next big step forward. Browse accredited courses and check your funding eligibility online.
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Nurture your caring side with a career in Aged Care. Career pathways include Personal Carers, Aged Care Workers and Diversional Therapists. Check your eligibility for government funding. Start your career in Aged Care today.
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Make an impact in the community and change lives through the Alcohol and Other Drugs career pathway. Possible job roles include Rehabilitation Counsellor, Substance Abuse Counsellor and Social Worker. Check your eligibility for...
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Case Management courses are ideal for those wanting to give back to the community and facilitate change in a professional setting. Career pathways include Youth Case Worker and Case Manager. Check your eligibility for governmen...
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More information
A social worker is somebody who helps people navigate everyday issues brought on by a range of factors, including but not limited to, physical and mental health, income, illness, injustice and changed circumstances such as divorce. They can work with individuals, small groups or entire communities depending on the position and location of the role. Duties can involve everything from meeting with those in need to provide resources and develop programs to helping shape policy with key decision makers and stakeholders.
Social workers must be prepared to help clients work through difficult situations and circumstances, including homelessness, sexual abuse, domestic violence, drug addiction and more. As a social worker, you will be fully equipped with knowledge of helpful resources, such as pertinent literature, refuge contact information, hotline numbers, applicable government aid and other places to which those in need can turn for help. Social workers can specialise in certain areas like older clients, children and those who have experienced certain types of hardship.
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