Are you driven to genuinely improve the lives of the underprivileged? Why not turn it into a lucrative career? In Australia, there is a constant need for community support workers to provide aid and support to the elderly, the crippled, and those who are poor. In fact, not just in Australia but elsewhere in the world, there is always a need for employees with the right qualifications to serve people who fall under these categories.

An Expanding Sector

Australia’s community welfare workforce climbed by 53% to more than 588,000 individuals between 2010 and 2020, while the overall workforce grew by 15%. Spending on social programmes climbed by 111% during the same time frame after accounting for inflation.

Each category of the community service sector employed more than 700 people per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020. Each industry that employs welfare workers has shown a rise in employment per 100,000 inhabitants since 2010. (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2020)

Roles and Responsibilities as a Community Worker

As a community support worker, you will play a significant role in providing families and children with the necessary assistance and rehabilitation. In order to handle their personal problems and provide answers, you will collaborate with your customers. Addiction to drugs and alcohol is also addressed in rehabilitation. Planning and directing community group activities and acting as an advocate for underprivileged or marginalised groups will be among your main responsibilities.

Career Opportunities as a Community Support Worker

According to the ABS Labour Force Survey, Department of Employment trend statistics, and estimates through 2023, the following information regarding community support workers:

• Community assistance workers work 35.7 hours per week compared to the average of 40 hours for all other occupations.
• The number of job openings is expected to increase significantly between now and 2023, rising by 6,000 new openings year to a total of 52,100.
• In addition to working nearly 5 hours fewer per week, welfare support workers make slightly less money than the Australian average.
• The average age of welfare assistance personnel is 42, which is a little older than the 40 year average age in Australia. This could mean that employees are either more likely than others to enter the field later or have experienced long-term employment security and advancement.

As is evident from the information above, it is necessary to obtain specialised knowledge and skills in order to deal with underprivileged people, underserved communities, and other people with special needs. Community support workers must be skilled and hold quality education in order to work in the community services sector.

There are primarily three types of community service industries where you can enjoy working as a community support worker:

• Residential care services
• Childcare services and preschool
• Social assistance services, etc.

If you are interested, you can have a look at CHC52015 – Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) or contact our team. Our counsellor will help you achieve your goal of being a skilled community support worker and contributing positively to the larger community. We can assist you in obtaining the necessary credentials if you are excited about pursuing a career in community services. Start your route to a rewarding journey by completing a Diploma in Community Services.