Experiences and Expectations of Early Career Australian Social Workers

Abstract

This nationwide mixed method study explored early career social work experiences of the first year of practice. Questionnaire data identified the scope of organisational support provided in government and non-government health settings. Qualitative information from semi-structured interviews provided insight into the ways in which the development of professional identity in the first year of practice and its relationship with professional capital holds implications for resilience in sustaining practice in the Australian health sector.