Education level
Job area
Your role as a social worker
As a social worker, you’ll help people deal with personal, social and health issues. Your work helps people get the care and support they need. As a social worker, you're a professional problem solver. You'll advocate for people when they're going through their toughest moments.
Depending on where you work, you may support children, adults, older people or families during an illness, crisis or change.
You'll help people understand what type of support they may need and connect them with other services and support.
We have full time, part time and casual roles, and some include shift work.
What your day might look like
You'll work as part of a team in a hospital, clinic or community settings. You may also see patients at home, school or in other services. You'll work with patients of all ages who are experiencing:
- illness or injury that affects their daily life
- stressful family or social situations
- mental health concerns
- housing, safety or financial difficulties.
You'll also help people to adjust to big life changes, such as a new diagnosis, disability, grief or caring responsibilities. You can choose to specialise in areas like mental health, child and family support, aged care, emergency departments or rehabilitation.
You’ll work with doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and community services to support patient care.
Read more about working as a social worker on the Your Career website.
Qualifications
Bachelor's or master's degree in social work that's accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers
Professional associations
Eligible to be a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
Pay and benefits
In your first year you’ll start at health professional grade HP3, pay point 1. You’ll get a different rate if you’re in a higher level role.
We also offer:
- regular wage increases
- a superannuation rate of 12.75%
- a supportive workplace with flexible working arrangements
- several types of leave
- salary packaging
- help with ongoing professional development costs.
If you're moving to start a new job with us, you may be able to get help with moving and travel costs.
Rural and remote opportunities
You may be able to get extra benefits if you work in rural and remote areas.
In rural and remote areas, you may support a wider range of needs and work close with the community.
Read about our opportunities for rural allied health careers.
Professional growth
Continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential part of being a social worker. You can build CPD points through things like:
- rural experience
- research
- access to education and training with the Allied Health Education and Training Unit and Queensland Centre for Mental Health Learning
With experience and further training, you may move into more senior roles.
Career paths
Experience and more qualifications can lead to other roles.
- Accredited mental health social worker
- Family therapist
- Management roles
- Policy or project officer in government or community services
If you plan to do more study, ask your training provider if your past studies can count towards a higher qualification.