Social workers are university-trained professionals who focus on supporting and building skills to promote independence and improve quality of life. Pathways to becoming a social worker include a 4 year Bachelor of Social Work degree or a Master of Social Work (2 year postgraduate degree). Social workers are registered with the professional association the Australian Association of Social Workers, and adhere to strict professional standards and a code of ethics.
Many social workers are highly skilled psychotherapists with years of training and practice in therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT and EMDR. This therapy may be the primary focus of appointments with a social worker or it may be integrated into the larger program of support they provide. Practical skill-building and real-world practising of skills is one of the major areas that sets social work apart from the other professions involved in mental health care. Social workers tailor the activities in a session to the individual abilities and needs of the patient.
Social workers may support young people with individual work via therapy and practical skill-building. They may also provide essential support to parents and families who are needing assistance with organisation of their child’s care and treatment.
Social workers often work together in teams with other health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists and occupational therapists. Within these teams social workers have a continuing focus on wellbeing and social justice which firmly anchors care as patient-centred and trauma-informed. Social workers are advocates for patients and families and are able to facilitate access to services and care according to each person’s needs.
