Social work is a practice-based profession that exists to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals, families, and the wider community, and empower them to improve their overall wellbeing. Social workers play an important role in advocating for people’s rights, providing support to people who need it, and helping promote positive changes in society.
If you have a passion for making a difference in people’s lives, a career in social work may be the perfect fit for you. In this blog we will explore the various pathways to joining the sector and the opportunities available for aspiring social workers.
Social work is very broad and diverse, and social workers work in various settings depending on their interest, skills, and experience. Some of these settings include hospitals, schools, government agencies, and privately owned practices. Within these settings, social workers can specialise in areas such as mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, family violence, and homelessness, and help clients and their families navigate challenges.
Here in Victoria, social workers are in high demand, and the sector needs workers to fill both frontline and support roles to help address issues in the community. Education is the key to getting your foot in the door, but dedication to the cause and compassion for vulnerable people is equally as important.
Depending on the setting you’d like to work in, there are a few different qualifications that you can pursue. In some settings a Certificate III or IV in Youth Work or Community Services through TAFE may be all you need to get started. Other qualifications that will help you advance your career include an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Social Work), a graduate certificate or diploma, or a Master of Social Work degree. You can find out more about qualification requirements on the Victorian government’s Jobs that Matter website.
There are a huge number of career opportunities and pathways for those who are passionate about helping vulnerable people lead more meaningful lives. Once you get a feel for different settings and know what interests you, you’ll be able to find your niche. If you’re willing to take on professional development and education opportunities, there is lots of potential for career advancement in the social work sector.
It can be a good idea to attend networking opportunities such as events and conferences discussing societal issues that might impact the people you support. This is also a great way to meet other people who are working in the sector, share experiences and build connections.
DFFH have recently launched a graduate program for those who have recently graduated or are about to graduate from courses related to community and social services. You can find out more here.
Social work is a very hands-on profession, so to do well it’s important you are willing to work in diverse and challenging environments, as well as building the skills and education required. It’s also good practice to consider volunteering in the community or working casually, to get a good feel of the work you’ll be doing and build some experience.
If you’re interested in a career in social work and would like to join the AV team, you can find our vacant positions on our careers website. You can also set up alerts for jobs in your area, and make sure you’re following us on LinkedIn to be the first to hear about employment and training opportunities.
