A social worker's career is one of the few that contributes to the betterment of people's lives in society, particularly those suffering challenges. This is the sort of field that seeks to make people's lives better and simpler with the support of practitioners who are always willing to assist those in need.
Social workers work tirelessly for economic and social justice, preventing situations limiting or obstructing human rights. They work to eliminate poverty and assist individuals in living healthy and fulfilling lives.
So, if you're interested in learning more about what it takes to work as a social worker in Australia, keep reading.
Skills Required to Become a Social Worker
People going through a crisis in their life might face various difficulties, making the job of a social worker even more difficult. As a result, social workers must constantly be good listeners and be empathic toward those who want assistance.
Being non-judgmental is one of the most important skills a social worker can have. Additionally, problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence can aid social workers in providing successful community service.
A social worker should also have a strong understanding of the social sciences to comprehend the link between individuals and society. Economics, education, legal issues, and psychology are some of the social sciences that a social worker must understand. A social worker's job involves referring clients to various healthcare and social services, so they might serve as case managers for people who are dealing with difficult situations and are unable to achieve their objectives.
A social worker also needs administrative and social skills to help clients and network with other support agencies. Overall, a social worker's day-to-day activities may include a lot of emailing, registering, and resource searching on behalf of the client.
Educational and Training Requirements Needed to Become a Social Worker
To become a social worker in Australia, you must have a bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited university. Completing a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English is normally required for admission into these programs. In Australia, there are two types of social worker degrees available.
● Bachelor of Social Work (undergraduate degree) for those with no prior educational credentials. In about four years, you will have completed your degree.
● A Master of Social Work is a postgraduate qualification(postgraduate degree). It might take about two years to finish. Graduates with specialisations in law, psychology, and social science can also take social work courses as part of this degree program.
Diverse educational institutions in Australia have varying admittance criteria; some are more liberal than others, and some may even provide opportunities for external study. If you want further information, you should contact the university of your choosing.
Before participating in professional placements given via courses, students may be required to get a First Aid Certificate, a National Police Certificate, immunizations, and an application for a Working with Children Check. You can inquire with the institutions you are interested in to find out more information.
How to Become a Social Worker in Australia
The best news is that if you want to learn how to become a social worker in Australia, you just follow these three basic steps.
Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree in social work, which includes clinical and theoretical social work training. For those who have a tertiary qualification, you can apply straight for the two-year Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
Step 2: Join the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which is the country's professional representative organisation for social workers.
Step 3: Acquire more relevant experience. With several years of experience, social workers can work in management, academia, and other specialised fields such as research, family therapy, and mental health.
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