Comparative employment opportunities for social workers

Abstract

Despite rapid growth in the number of social work graduates in Australia, almost no data are available concerning labour market demand, and the expectations of employers. This study surveyed 6298 positions available to social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists and counsellors in the state of New South Wales during the years 1984–1990. Over this six year period the demand for social workers grew by 27.3%, which exceeded the growth in demand for psychologists, but was less than that for community and mental health workers, counsellors and occupational therapists. The employment base for named social work positions was found to be relatively narrow, being largely contined to hospitals, community health and welfare. Less than 1% of jobs were in the private sector. The number of duties increased over time, and there was an increase in the demand for program promotion, administration and supervision skills. The ratio of advertisements to new graduates suggests that social workers are in a comparatively fortunate position relative to some other health care workers. The results are discussed in terms of the need to more clearly define the strengths of the profession, the need to introduce more postgraduate courses, and recommendations to strengthen the profession and the Australian Association of Social Workers.