Social Workers

Social Workers assess the social needs of individuals, families and groups, assist and empower people to develop and use the skills and resources needed to resolve social and other problems, and further human wellbeing and human rights, social justice and social development.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Acting as a facilitator between clients in need and community services
  • Assessing resources for health, welfare, recreation, housing, employment and other community services
  • Providing leadership and assistance for the implementation of pilot projects in community development and self-help, and planning and implementing research projects to address client needs, organisation goals and social policy
  • Cooperating with community organisations, social agencies and voluntary groups to improve services and develop new services
  • Conducting individual and family case interviews to identify the nature and extent of clients' problems
  • Assisting clients to understand and resolve problems by providing information, acting as a mediator and referring them to community and self-help agencies
  • Analysing, developing, promoting and implementing social policies through the use of practice experience, research, analytic frameworks, and negotiation skills to respond to social need through a fair, equitable and effective allocation of social resource
  • Monitoring the progress of clients by maintaining contact
  • Compiling case records and reports

Key values of workers in Social Workers

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Top skills required for workers in Social Workers

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Social Perceptiveness

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Service Orientation

    Actively looking for ways to help people.