“Is Volunteering Considered Social Work Experience? Understand Its Value, Skills Gained & How to Showcase It Professionally.”
One of the most common questions asked by students and early-career professionals is: “Does volunteering count as experience in the social work sector?”
This article explores the value of volunteering in social work, the essential skills it develops, and how to present volunteer experience in a professional and credible way.
1. What Is Volunteering in the Context of Social Work?
In the social work context, volunteering refers to unpaid activities where individuals contribute their time and skills to support vulnerable groups, communities, or social organisations. Common types of volunteer work may include:
- Assisting older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, migrants, or children in need
- Working with NGOs, community services, hospitals, or care centres
- Supporting education, capacity building, or community development initiatives
In Australia and many other developed countries, volunteering is seen as an essential pathway to develop professional capabilities and establish credibility in the social sector.
2. Key Skills You Can Gain Through Volunteering
Volunteering allows students and new graduates to build practical skills that are highly valued in social work, such as:
- Effective communication and empathy with vulnerable populations
- Teamwork and collaboration across interdisciplinary settings
- Real-world problem solving with cultural sensitivity
- Case note writing and file management – critical skills for professional practice
- Understanding ethics, human rights, and relevant legislation
These skills enhance both your competence and competitiveness when applying for internships or formal employment.
3. Does Volunteering Count as Social Work Experience?
- In most cases – yes, as long as it is presented appropriately. Volunteer experience can be recognised as practical experience if:
- The tasks align with professional social work competencies (e.g., AASW Practice Standards)
- You can clearly articulate your role, responsibilities, skills applied, and outcomes achieved
- You had some form of supervision or professional feedback from the host organisation
In Australia, bodies like the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) actively encourage students and emerging professionals to volunteer as part of their professional development.
While formal placements may require supervised hours to count towards accreditation, volunteer experience is still highly regarded in job applications and graduate pathways.
Does volunteering count as experience in the social work sector?
4. How to Present Volunteer Experience Professionally
If you want your volunteer work to be counted as valid experience, consider the following:
- Document your responsibilities clearly – including role title, tasks, and timeframe
- Request a reference letter or written confirmation from the organisation
- Highlight specific skills or achievements (e.g., projects supported, number of clients assisted)
- Include it in your CV using formal, role-based descriptions – similar to a paid job listing
5. Can Volunteering Help with Migration or Scholarships?
While volunteering does not directly count towards Australian migration requirements, it can support your goals in many indirect but meaningful ways:
- Strengthening your application for professional placements or skilled roles
- Improving your chances of winning scholarships in social work, community services, or healthcare
- Building a professional network – especially in regions with workforce shortages
Final Thoughts
So, does volunteering count as experience in social work? Yes – if done seriously and presented properly.
It can be a vital stepping stone to career readiness, further education, and long-term success in the field.
>> Need personalised guidance? Contact the NextGem team today to explore your study and career pathways in social work – tailored to your strengths and goals.
