Social Worker jobs in Australia

CrossNation has 1 open social worker role listed right now. This count comes live from our job board and updates every few minutes.

Social work is not regulated through Ahpra. In most of Australia, the recognised standard is eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which requires a social work qualification accredited or assessed by the AASW. Job ads commonly ask for this eligibility rather than for registration. South Australia has legislated its own social worker registration scheme, so check current requirements if you plan to work there. The AASW also runs the Accredited Mental Health Social Worker credential, which lets eligible social workers provide some Medicare-funded mental health services. Social workers who qualified overseas apply to the AASW for an assessment of their qualifications, and the association is the assessing authority for skilled migration in this occupation. Many roles also need a Working with Children Check, a police check or an NDIS worker screening check, depending on the client group.

Hospital social workers support patients and families through discharge planning, family violence screening, grief, financial hardship and complex care decisions. Child protection roles, usually in state government, involve assessing risk to children and working with families and courts, and carry a high level of responsibility. Aged care social workers help older people and families with care transitions, guardianship, elder abuse concerns and access to services. Mental health roles in community teams, hospitals or private practice involve counselling, case management and recovery planning. Disability and NDIS roles focus on support coordination, advocacy and complex case work. Community organisations employ social workers in homelessness, refugee settlement, alcohol and other drugs, and family support programs. Each area calls for different experience and knowledge of different laws, so explain which client groups and systems you have worked in, such as child protection or mental health legislation in your state.

Many social workers in community organisations, disability services and non-government agencies are covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award [MA000100], known as the SCHADS Award. It sets minimum pay by classification level, along with overtime, penalty rates, allowances, leave and rules for broken shifts. Social workers in public hospitals, child protection and other government roles are generally employed under state or territory public sector agreements. Some private hospitals and health services use the Health Professionals and Support Services Award or their own enterprise agreements, so coverage depends on the employer. We do not publish pay figures, because rates depend on the instrument, classification and employment type. Ask which award or agreement applies and your classification level before you accept, then check the minimum rate with the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator.

Registration: Australian Association of Social Workers (membership eligibility; not registered with Ahpra). There is no Ahpra registration. Employers commonly ask for eligibility for AASW membership. South Australia has legislated a separate state registration scheme.

Pay and conditions: usually the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS) [MA000100] or an enterprise agreement. Check current minimum rates with the Fair Work Pay Calculator.

Award rates: Social worker salary in Australia: what the award sets.

ANZSCO: 272511 Social Worker