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Social Worker

Social workers provide advice, advocacy and support to people with personal and social problems. They also help with community and social issues.

Tasks & duties

Social workers may do some or all of the following:

work to advance the well-being of children, young people, their families and communities
talk with clients about their problems
help people make decisions about their personal problems
advise people on their rights and opportunities
write reports and case notes
link people with community resources such as benefits and accommodation
support people in crisis situations
give advice on social problems
use the law to protect vulnerable children and young people
use the law to ensure that young people are held accountable for their offences

Specialisations

Social workers may specialise in areas such as:

mental health
working with young people and their families
working with Māori communities

Skills & knowledge

Social workers need to have:

an understanding of social and cultural issues and problems
knowledge of human behaviour, development, relationships and social systems
excellent communication and listening skills
counselling skills
good judgement and excellent problem-solving skills
analytical and evaluative skills
skill in applying theory and research to real-life situations
an awareness of practical ways that communities, individuals and families can be empowered to find solutions
knowledge of community and family support services
an understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi
negotiating skills
planning and organisational skills
knowledge of social policy and how it is developed

For those who specialise in working with Māori communities, knowledge of Māori language and culture is essential.

Entry requirements

To become a registered social worker you need to have a Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work Practice degree or a Masters degree majoring in social work.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training.

Training on the job

Social workers are required to attend a number of training courses while they are working. In-house training courses may be offered. Registered social workers must undertake continuing professional development to retain their practising certificate.

Registration

Social workers are encouraged to gain registration even though it is voluntary. However, social workers employed by Child, Youth and Family must be registered with the Social Workers Registration Board and District Health Boards increasingly require their social workers to be registered.

Registered social workers are required to have a practising certificate.