Career Progression
It is not possible to provide a standard career progression for social work, as it depends entirely on what sort of social work you choose to do, which organization you work for and where in Australia you work.
The median new graduate salary is $43,000 per annum, although social workers in the Government sector, including hospitals, are paid significantly more than this.
Career Path Options
Advancement to supervisor, programme manager, assistant director, or executive director of a social service agency or department is one possible career path and requires related work experience. Many social workers enjoy the diversity and flexibility in the profession, and may choose to move between different specializations as their career progresses.
Social workers from Australia are highly sought after in many overseas countries, and working overseas is a popular career experience. Additional career options include teaching, research, and consulting, helping to formulate government policies by analysing and advocating policy positions in government agencies, in research institutions and on legislators’ staffs.
As your expertise develops you may decide to go into private practice, offering clinical social work services with individuals, couples or families. Experienced social workers may also choose to provide consultancy services including assessment and report writing, training and development or organisational development.
Social work skills are highly adaptable, allowing you to take your skill set with you should you wish to explore new directions in other professions and employment experiences.
Employment Opportunities
Are terrific. There will always be people in need and therefore, social workers will be needed to assist them. The rapidly growing elderly population, their assisted-living and senior-living communities plus nursing homes, long-term care facilities and hospices and the ageing “baby boomer” generation will create greater demand for health and social services. As hospitals continue to limit the length of patient stays, employment in home healthcare services will grow. Substance abuse, rising student enrolment, integration of disabled into mainstream society and children at risk will all stimulate demand.
About the Author
Australian Association of Social Workers
www.aasw.asn.au
The AASW is a national body with over 6,500 members. The organisations aim is to promote the profession of social work and provide an organisation through which social workers can develop a professional identity. It focuses on establishing, monitoring and improve practice standards and contributes to the development of social work knowledge and research. They are an advocate to their members and actively support social structures and policies pursuant to the promotion of social justice.
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