Social Work
Empower communities and uplift lives as a Social Work professional.
Last updated 3 January 2025
On this page
Overview
Harness the collective strengths within our society to build stronger communities, and work collaboratively to empower those in need.
Job roles & key responsibilities
There are various paths and roles for those interested in pursuing a career as a social work professional in the social service sector.
Social Work
As a Social Work professional, you will focus on community development and interventions to uplift the lives of individuals in need. Your work centres around programmes that are empowering and rehabilitative. Alongside your team, you strive to bridge social gaps, fostering a community in which everyone has an equal chance to succeed.
Key responsibilities
Social Worker
A Social Worker engages and assesses service users to understand their needs and level of functioning. This includes
Working with service users to set goals and develop case plans to address concerns.
Implementing, reviewing and modifying case plans.
Facilitating access to resources.
Maintaining and submitting social reports.
Reaching out to individuals or targeted groups who may benefit from programmes.
Social Work Associate
A Social Work Associate reaches out to service users to collect information and conduct assessments of their basic needs. This includes:
Coordinating, implementing and following up on case plans for service users.
Assisting in assessing community needs and the compilation of community resources.
Liaising with agencies, make service referrals, and assisting in developing and implementing programmes.
Handling assigned administrative duties.
Social Work Assistant
A Social Work Assistant assists in the daily care and activities of service users, supervises their rehabilitation, and follows up on tasks outlined in the case plans. This includes:
Collating information about service users’ progress, and assisting in conducting programmes, including activities for service users and their families.
Performing administrative and logistical tasks, including liaising with external parties.
Education requirements
Minimum education requirements are needed for the jobs listed above, while recommended programmes have also been highlighted for individuals who wish to pursue a career in social service.
For all Social Work roles
Education requirements for Social Work roles
To be a/an | Minimum | Recommended | More information |
|---|---|---|---|
Social Worker |
|
| |
Social Work Associate | Diploma |
| |
Social Service Assistant | Certificate |
| |
Information as of January 2019. Job titles may vary across agencies. | |||
Career progression
Possible workplaces
Children & Youth Agencies
Children & Young Persons Residential Care Homes
Early Intervention Centres
Family Service Centres
Hospitals
Senior Activity Centres
Senior Citizens Homes
Special Education Schools
Special Needs Centres