Published: 15th June 2018.
Written by Melinda Irvine

With the Australian Government predicting “very strong” future growth for welfare support worker jobs over the next 5 years, community services work opens up a wealth of career opportunities.

Here are 7 reasons to start a career in community services:

  1. Give back to your community
    A career in community services means you’ll be helping to provide valuable assistance to your local community – rather than helping to maximise profits.

  2. Make a positive difference
    As a community services worker, you’ll be advocating for the rights of individuals within your community and for the wellbeing of your community as a whole – empowering you to make a positive difference.

  3. Build your communication skills
    Community services work requires close communication with not only a diverse range of clients, but also with welfare agencies, government bodies and private businesses. This means if you pursue a career in community services, you’ll also be developing your communication and interpersonal skills.

  4. Establish close connections with your local community
    As we go about our busy daily lives, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture – the wider community in which we live. As a community services worker, you’ll have the opportunity to build close connections with other individuals in your local community and with your wider community. You’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of their needs, but also feel more engaged and in-touch with your community.

  5. Study flexibly online
    The great thing about studying to become a community services worker is that you don’t need to interrupt your work or personal commitments to study – you can study flexibly online whenever and wherever it suits you. TrainSmart Australia offers an online Diploma of Community Services course that’s nationally-recognised course, and will enable you to deliver community-based support including housing, financial and social support.

  6. Choose from a variety of roles
    As a qualified community services professional, you’ll be able to work in a variety of roles including:
    • Community development officer
    • Case manager
    • Welfare worker
    • Community educator

  7. Do what you love
    Many people do what they need to do to make a living. But if you have a genuine passion for helping others in need and helping to make positive changes within your community, then a career in community services will mean you’ll be doing what you love.

This article was contributed by our friends at TSA.edu.au.