About social workers
Social workers are university-trained professionals who help people improve their wellbeing and manage difficulties in their lives. These might include mental health difficulties, relationship and parenting issues, family violence, gambling, and alcohol and other drug use.
Social workers have training in counselling, child wellbeing and family support. This means that they know how to help families and children who are having difficulties.
Social workers focus on more than a person’s individual issues. They also look at other things that might be causing difficulties in the person’s life. For example, a social worker helping someone with a mental health issue might also look at things like relationship breakdown, homelessness, unemployment, family violence and so on.
Many social workers have jobs as case managers, which means they work with individuals or families to identify changes that they need in their lives, as well as link them with other agencies and programs that can help them. With consent, they also make sure these agencies are connected and communicating with each other.
Social workers might also work as counsellors, psychotherapists, family support workers or community development workers.
Social workers are employed in many different government, non-government and community organisations. These include hospitals and community health centres, early intervention services, family support agencies, family therapy services, child protection programs, family violence services, mediation and relationship programs, and bereavement services. They also work in schools, employment agencies, justice services, accommodation services and aged care services.
Social workers are also employed in roles related to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Why you or your child might see a social worker
A social worker can help if you or your family has special or complex needs or you’re having difficulties that you’re struggling to manage on your own. They can help you find and use the right information, advice and support services for your family. They can also advocate for you or your family if you need them to.
Other reasons to see a social worker might include:
- mental health problems, disability or serious illness
- current or past experience of abuse or family violence
- problems with relationships – for example, a divorce or separation
- problems with alcohol and other drugs or gambling
- difficulties with parenting
- difficulty coping with significant change, like loss of employment
- difficulty coping with the loss of a significant person, including pregnancy loss.
You don’t need a GP referral to see a social worker, but your GP or child and family health nurse is always a good place to start if you’re worried about your child or your family situation. These health professionals can help you decide whether to see a social worker and help you find someone who’s right for you. You can also go to Australian Association of Social Workers – Find a social worker.
Before going to a social worker
If you’re thinking about seeing a social worker or your GP suggests you or your child should see a social worker, it’s a good idea to talk with your GP about things like the following:
- Why you’re going – talk with your GP about why you or your child needs to see a social worker.
- Appointments – you might not always be able to organise an appointment with your first call. Some agencies might call you back to discuss your needs or contact you when they have an appointment available. Also, if you can’t attend the appointment in person, is telehealth an option?
- Waiting lists – ask how long you might have to wait before you can get an appointment to see the social worker. Is there anything you can do while you’re waiting for the appointment? For example, can you or your child start some treatment or therapy?
- Locations – find out what type of social work service will be best for you and your child – for example, a public or private hospital service, a community health centre, a non-government family support agency or a private practitioner. Also find out the location of the service that might be best for you.
- Costs – social work services can be free, or you might have to pay a small fee. Some social workers working in private practice might charge a higher fee. The costs might be lower if you have a health care card, or you can get NDIS support. Social workers who are mental health practitioners can offer Medicare rebates. You can also discuss payment options with the social work service.
- Qualifications – is the social worker registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers? Registration isn’t compulsory in Australia, but registered social workers are qualified and up to date with professional development and practice.
You can talk about these things and any other questions you have with your GP before you or your child see a social worker. You could also ask the social worker’s agency or clinic when you make the appointment. Writing down your questions can help you remember them.