Empathy
Social Workers often work with people who are in stressful and difficult situations. They must have empathy to foster a healthy and productive relationships with clients.
Social Workers
Descriptions & Duties
- Social Workers provide advice and assistance to individuals, families, groups, communities and organisations to tackle personal and social difficulties. They may encounter to issues related to unemployment, poverty, disability, addiction, criminal and delinquent behaviour, marital and other problems. They analyse and determine the types of services, e.g. helping clients develop skills, arranging treatment or counselling sessions via interviews and provide information on social welfare to them. They follow up and evaluate the services and supports offered to the clients to determine the effectiveness. Besides casework, Social Workers also do indirect services like social work research, social work administration, social issues advocacy, social policy and legislative lobbying.
Generic Competencies
Physical Abilities
Physical abilities
- Physical strength
- Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity
Importance:2 (Max:5)
Skill is occasionally required
Technology Skills
Technology skills
- Computer literacy
- Application of technology
Importance:2 (Max:5)
Skill is occasionally required
Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive abilities
- Creativity
- Visualisation
- Logical thinking
Importance:3 (Max:5)
Skill is basically required
Comprehension And Expression
Comprehension and expression skills
- Reading comprehension
- Oral / written expression
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Social Skills
Social skills
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Organisation And Execution Skills
Organisation and execution skills
- Planning
- Organising
- Judgement
- Decision making
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Problem Solving Skills
Problem solving skills
- Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Management Skills
Management skills
- Leadership
- Management of finance / time / people / other resources
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Trade Specific Competencies
Knowledge, skills and application of the social work profession and practice
Social Workers must be able to understand and effectively apply the foundation knowledge and skills of social work, following work-related guidelines, procedures, ordinances and social ethics.
General Requirements
Academic qualification
- A recognised diploma or a bachelor's degree in social work, or equivalent
Professional qualification
- Registered Social Worker under the Social Workers Registration Ordinance, Chapter 505
Career Path & Salary
Private Sector
Monthly Salary $10,000-$30,000
Monthly Salary $20,000-$50,000
Monthly Salary $30,000-$70,000
Monthly Salary $50,000-$110,000
Government Sector
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 16-33
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 34-39
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 40-44
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49
*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html
Related Education & Training
Higher Diploma
Work Environment
- Social Workers work in a variety of environments including schools, hospitals, aged care facilities, government agencies, courts, etc. They generally in an office but they may spend time visiting clients during work day schedule.
