Community Development Worker

A community development worker focuses on how to best enhance the public offerings of the neighbourhood or other community in which they work. These efforts can take different shapes depending on the current facilities and programs offered in a community and that specific area's future needs and goals. Often community development workers will work to improve shared recreation areas, public health and housing options and other general welfare issues.

Community development workers will collaborate with a range of colleagues and other key stakeholders to analyse needs before developing and implementing plans for change. These can include members of the community and local government, local businesses, public health agencies, medical professionals and fellow community development team members. Community development workers also often help promote resources available to the public. This role can often fall under the remit of local government or a not-for-profit organisation.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $83,200
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a community development worker?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
CHC52021

Diploma of Community Services
Blended, On Campus, Online
6 - 18 months
$100 - $15,631
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Housing Officer Family Support Worker Support Worker
Community Corrections Officer Community Development Worker Senior Support Worker Welfare Worker Youth Justice Officer Outreach Worker Intake Worker Aboriginal Community Care Worker Case Manager Community Care Worker
+ 10 more
CHC42021

Certificate IV in Community Services
Blended, On Campus, Online
6 - 12 months
$100 - $4,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Youth Worker Housing Officer Family Support Worker
Case Manager Community Corrections Officer Community Development Worker Senior Support Worker Welfare Worker Youth Justice Officer Outreach Worker Aboriginal Community Care Worker Community Support Worker Community Care Worker Intake Worker Mental Health Support Worker Peer Support Worker Residential Care Officer Residential Care Worker Support Worker Volunteer Coordinator Youth Case Worker
+ 18 more
CHC42121

Certificate IV in Community Development
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $5,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Community Development Manager Fundraising Coordinator Grants Officer
Community Development Worker Community Support Worker Volunteer Coordinator Welfare Worker
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Community Development Manager Fundraising Coordinator Grants Officer Community Development Worker Community Support Worker Volunteer Coordinator Welfare Worker + 4 more
CHC52121

Diploma of Community Development
On Campus, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $6,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Community Development Worker Community Development Manager
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Community Development Worker Community Development Manager

Bachelor of Community Development
On Campus
3 years
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Community Development Manager Community Development Officer Community Development Worker
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Community Development Manager Community Development Officer Community Development Worker
CHC52021

Diploma of Community Services (Child, Youth and Family Welfare)
Blended
18 months
$4,970
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Support Worker Family Support Worker Youth Support Worker
Youth Case Worker Youth Justice Officer Youth Worker Outreach Worker Child Safety Officer Youth Counsellor Aboriginal Community Care Worker Community Care Worker Community Development Worker Family Counsellor
+ 10 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Community Development Manager

A Community Development Manager leads efforts to improve public services and facilities, working with local stakeholders to address welfare issues and create employment opportunities.

Avg yearly income $136,240
Skill level Advanced

Community Liaison Officer

A Community Liaison Officer improves community conditions by addressing concerns with authorities, requiring strong communication and organisation skills.

Avg yearly income $83,200
Skill level Unknown

Migrant Support Worker

A Migrant Support Worker assists new migrants in Australia by assessing needs, providing information on services, and referring them to community programs.

Avg yearly income $70,200
Skill level Unknown

Grants Officer

A Grants Officer seeks and applies for funding, ensures compliance, prepares applications, tracks usage, and meets deadlines for non-profits.

Avg yearly income $103,480
Skill level Unknown

Fundraising Coordinator

A Fundraising Coordinator plans and executes campaigns to raise funds for charities, managing events, stakeholder relationships, and strategies.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Unknown

Community Arts Worker

Community Arts Workers create and manage arts programs that promote creative development in communities, focusing on diverse groups and rural areas.

Avg yearly income $86,216
Skill level Unknown

Community Support Worker

Community Support Workers assist the elderly and those with disabilities by providing personal care, companionship, and household support.

Avg yearly income $74,984
Skill level Beginner

Community Development Officer

Community Development Officers create and implement community programs, serving as a vital link between local residents and stakeholders.

Avg yearly income $104,000
Skill level Unknown

Community Services Officer

A Community Services Officer aids individuals in accessing essential services, needing strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Avg yearly income $88,400
Skill level Unknown

Community Engagement Coordinator

A Community Engagement Coordinator fosters relationships between organisations and the community, requiring strong communication and organisational skills.

Avg yearly income $83,200
Skill level Unknown

Community Health Liaison

A Community Health Liaison connects individuals to healthcare services, requiring strong communication skills to improve health outcomes.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Unknown

Community Advocate

A Community Advocate helps individuals access services and resources, requiring strong communication skills to represent community interests effectively.

Avg yearly income $83,200
Skill level Unknown

Cultural Anthropologist

A Cultural Anthropologist studies societies and cultures through fieldwork and analysis to enhance understanding and preserve cultural heritage.

Avg yearly income $83,200
Skill level Unknown

Community Recovery Officer

A Community Recovery Officer aids individuals and communities affected by disasters by coordinating resources and developing recovery plans.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Unknown

Common questions

How much do Community Development Workers earn?

In Australia, a full time community development worker generally earns $1,600 per week ($83,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for Community Development Workers?

Community development jobs can fall under the general umbrella of welfare, recreation and community arts worker jobs. As of May 2019, there were approximately 36,000 such jobs in Australia. That number is expected to grow to more than 46,500 by May 2024.

Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How long does it take to become a Community Development Worker?

Many community development worker jobs require a qualification in community services. The level of qualification needed can change from position to position. A Certificate IV of Community Services can take upwards of 12 months to complete depending on your study mode (online, on campus or a mix of both) and if you study full or part time. You will also have to complete work placement. Another option is a Diploma of Community Services with a Case Management Specialisation. This learning pathway can take anywhere from 12-24 months to complete and includes work placement training.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to start a career in community management

18th August 2020

7 reasons to start a career in community services

15th June 2018

What do social workers do?

11th December 2019

Courses by location