It’s a question I’ve often been asked since graduating in 2019: “So, does being a social worker mean you work in Child Safety or in a hospital?” While many social workers do work in those areas, our profession is much broader. What makes social work unique is not just the settings we work in, but the distinct approach we bring—one that sets us apart from other allied health and helping professions.
In Australia, including Brisbane, social workers play a vital role across health, community, and social service settings. They combine practical support with therapeutic approaches to make a difference at both individual and community levels.
What is Social Work?
According to the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), social work promotes social justice, human rights, and professional integrity, with a focus on the person-in-environment approach. This means supporting people within the context of their families, communities, and broader systems.
Unlike psychology or counselling, which often emphasise diagnosis or individual therapy, social work uniquely bridges emotional support, advocacy, and practical help—addressing not just mental health but also the structural issues that impact wellbeing.
What Can Social Workers Do?
Social workers in Brisbane and across Australia provide a wide range of supports, including:
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Therapy and counselling: Offering evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Strengths-Based Practice, and Motivational Interviewing.
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Advocacy and case management: Helping individuals navigate systems, access entitlements, and stand up for their rights.
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NDIS support: Recognised as allied health professionals, social workers deliver therapy and capacity-building supports under the NDIS.
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Linking clients to resources: Connecting people with housing, financial assistance, community services, or healthcare.
Social Worker Responsibilities
Social workers are trained to respond holistically, providing:
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Emotional support and mental health care in ways that are safe, collaborative, and respectful.
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Practical help with systems such as health, housing, or disability services.
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Ethical and professional practice, guided by the AASW Code of Ethics, which centres on human rights, social justice, and professional integrity.
Why Social Work Matters in Mental Health
Social workers hold a unique position in mental health because they integrate therapy with practical, real-world support. They:
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Bridge psychological care with social and environmental change.
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Empower individuals by co-creating plans that highlight both strengths and goals.
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Promote cultural safety and trauma-informed care, recognising the impacts of colonisation, racism, and intergenerational trauma, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This dual focus on therapy and advocacy makes social work essential in supporting resilience and recovery.
Conclusion
So, what is social work? It is a profession that blends counselling, advocacy, systems navigation, and a deep commitment to human dignity. Social workers in Brisbane and across Australia help people reclaim agency, build on strengths, and move toward a preferred future.
Looking for support? Book a session with a Brisbane-based social worker today and take the next step towards meaningful change.