Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations 1.3

SOCIAL AND WELFARE PROFESSIONALS provide guidance to clients and the community in social, educational, vocational, relationship and spiritual matters to enable them to overcome difficulties and to find and use resources to achieve particular goals; and study human behaviour, society and institutions from current and historical perspectives.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:
Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks Include:

assessing resources for health, welfare, recreation, housing, employment and other community services;
providing support while exploring alternatives with clients who experience difficulties such as marital problems, unemployment, illness and drug abuse;
consulting with clients to develop rehabilitation plans taking account of vocational, social, medical and psychological needs;
assisting clients with employment placement and matters relating to education and training;
developing, administering and evaluating individual and group treatment programs;
preparing and conducting services of public worship and acknowledgments of faith, and performing marriages, funerals and special memorial services according to tradition and ecclesiastical and civil law;
undertaking historical and cultural research into human activity, and preparing reports of research findings.

Occupations in this minor group are classified into the following unit groups:

2721 Counsellors
2722 Ministers of Religion
2723 Psychologists
2724 Social Professionals
2725 Social Workers
2726 Welfare, Recreation and Community Arts Workers