Higher Education Know-how

[Social Work] How to Become a Professional Social Worker? 3 Essential Things You Must Know !

Behind the glamour of a bustling city, there is always a group of people quietly holding an umbrella for society's most vulnerable. They are professional social workers. With their specialist knowledge and passion for helping others, social workers handle a wide variety of social issues, from personal emotional problems and family relationships to community development. If you have a heart for serving the community and aspire to join this meaningful profession, three key things you must know to become a registered social worker in Hong Kong.

1. You Must Complete a Recognised Academic Qualification and Register by Law

To become a qualified professional social worker, passion alone is not enough; you must also meet recognized academic and registration requirements. In Hong Kong, all practising social workers must apply for registration with the Social Workers Registration Board. This is a statutory body established under Chapter 505 of the Laws of Hong Kong, the "Social Workers Registration Ordinance," responsible for regulating the professional standards of local social workers to protect the interests of service users and the public.

Several tertiary institutions in Hong Kong offer recognised programmes at different levels, providing diverse pathways into the profession:

• Higher Diploma or Associate Degree in Social Work: For graduates of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE), this is one of the most direct routes. After completing the two-year programme, graduates can apply to become a "Registered Social Worker" and take up positions such as Social Work Assistant (SWA).
• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work: Graduates with a bachelor's degree typically take on the role of Assistant Social Work Officer (ASWO) in the workplace, with a relatively higher starting salary and a clearer promotion ladder.
• Master's Degree in Social Work: For individuals holding a non-social work bachelor's degree, pursuing a master's degree is another route to enter the social work profession. The curriculum similarly covers the theory, skills, and practical placement required to become a registered social worker.

HKCT offers recognised Higher Diploma and bachelor’s degree programmes . All these programmes include core social work theories, practical skills, professional ethics, and a practical placement to ensure students gain practical experience before graduation.

2. Understand the True Responsibilities and Professional Ethics of a Social Worker

Social work is a "helping" profession. Its core is to establish a professional relationship with service users, helping them identify their problems, discover their potential, find resources and methods, and ultimately enhance their ability to solve their own difficulties. The role of a social worker is by no means simply "handing out benefits" or "chatting"; it is a professional process grounded in deep theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

A professional social worker undertakes a variety of responsibilities across a wide range of service areas, including:

• Medical Social Work: Working in hospitals or clinics to help patients and their families deal with financial, family, and psychological problems arising from illness, acting as a bridge between the medical team and social services.
• School Social Work: Stationed in primary and secondary schools to provide individual and group counselling for students, addressing academic, emotional, behavioural, and family issues, and promoting mental health development on campus.
• Family and Child Welfare Services: Working in the Social Welfare Department or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to handle issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, and marital problems, providing support to families in need.
• Youth Services: Reaching out to and assisting young people in dealing with various developmental challenges through outreach work and youth centres.
• Elderly and Rehabilitation Services: Providing support to older adults and people with disabilities to improve their quality of life and promote social inclusion.

While performing their duties, social workers must adhere to a strict code of professional ethics and practice. This code emphasises respecting the unique value and dignity of every service user, without discrimination based on their status, age, gender, beliefs, or sexual orientation. Social workers firmly believe that everyone has growth potential and has a responsibility to encourage service users to make their own decisions and achieve self-realisation.

3. Recognise the Industry's Prospects and Challenges

As social problems in Hong Kong become increasingly complex—such as an ageing population, rising demand for mental health services, and changing family structures—the demand for professional social workers remains consistently high. Graduates have a wide range of career options. Besides working in traditional social welfare organisations and the Social Welfare Department, social workers can now be found in hospitals, schools, international aid organisations, and even private enterprises.

In terms of salary, a social worker's academic qualifications are directly linked to their starting pay. According to 2025 data, a Social Work Assistant (SWA) with a higher diploma or associate degree starts at around Point 9 of the government's Master Pay Scale (monthly salary of HK$25,115). An Assistant Social Work Officer (ASWO) with a bachelor's degree starts from Point 16 (monthly salary of HK$36,850) and has a clear promotion path.

However, becoming a social worker also means facing significant challenges. High work pressure, intense emotional labour, and the need to handle complex and often distressing cases are all part of a social worker's daily life. Therefore, in addition to professional knowledge, excellent resilience, empathy, patience, and a steadfast belief in people are indispensable qualities for becoming an outstanding social worker.

In conclusion, becoming a professional social worker is a path full of challenges but also immense rewards. If you are ready to serve others and promote social progress through your professional knowledge and unwavering passion, then start by exploring the relevant course information today and take the first solid step on this professional journey of helping people to help themselves.

HKCT social work-related programmes:   
Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Social Work (Year 1 Entry)  

Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Social Work (Senior Year Entry) 

Higher Diploma in Social Work (Full-time) 

Higher Diploma in Social Work (Part-time)