Eligibility
Students enrolled in an AASW accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree or Master of Social Work (qualifying), as well as those already eligible and undertaking full time Masters or Doctoral social work studies*, can become an AASW student member. Existing student members can take advantage of a free upgrade to graduate membership for the remainder of the membership year by getting in touch with once able to provide evidence that they have successfully completed all of the requirements of the degree. Those joining within 2 years of graduating with their first qualifying AASW accredited Social Work degree are eligible to become a new graduate member.
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*Eligible Masters or Doctoral social work studies are determined at the discretion of the AASW
What does the AASW do for the profession?
The AASW represents more than 14,000 professional social workers. Our objectives are to:
- Regulate the social work profession
- Establish, monitor and improve professional practice and ethical standards, including through our Ethics Consultation Service
- Enhance the public identity and professional recognition of social workers
- Promote and facilitate our members' professional career development and lifelong learning through continuing professional development (CPD)
- Develop and maintain education standards for social workers and accredit university social work programs on behalf of the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) and assess international social work qualifications
- Advocate for social justice and changes to social structures and policies in order to promote inclusion and redress disadvantage
- Provide optional public liability and indemnity insurance (for new graduates and practitioners)
- Encourage social work research, including through the Australian College of Social Work
- Provide a forum for employment through the Horizon Career Centre
Assess social workers applying to be Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) and promote these professionals to the primary health care sector and the broader community.
