Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Qualification Level
Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
A hospital social worker is an allied health professional. They support patients and families through the social and emotional side of healthcare. Their work goes beyond clinical treatment. They address mental health, money stress, housing and family support needs.
The role draws on a broad skill set. Hospital social workers do structured checks to find each patient’s needs. They work with doctors, nurses and allied health staff to build a care plan. This includes linking patients to local resources, providing counselling and advocating for their rights.
Discharge planning is a key part of the role. Hospital social workers plan each patient’s move from hospital to home or another care setting. They check safety, arrange support services and liaise with families and carers. This reduces extended stays and supports continuity of care.
The profession requires an AASW-accredited degree. You need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (Qualifying). Most practitioners join the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as professional members. The field offers real scope for growth and specialist roles.
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.
