Community Worker

Community Workers are caring individuals who support vulnerable members of society through community development initiatives and social welfare programs. They may provide counselling and support, advocacy and case management services to individuals and family groups, or facilitate the implementation of group and regional programs.

Many Community Worker specialise in areas where they have a personal or family history such as mental health, disability support, aged care, drug and alcohol, youth work, child protection, homelessness, criminal justice, domestic and family violence.

To succeed in this career you will need tertiary qualifications as well as great communication skills, a strong sense of empathy, and a genuine desire to make a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged people.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $71,864
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a community worker?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
CHC52021

Diploma of Community Services
Blended, On Campus, Online
8 - 18 months
$49 - $9,900
  • 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 Social Worker Park Manager Rehabilitation Counsellor Life Coach Remedial Yoga Therapist Intelligence Officer Case Worker Regional Coordinator Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Financial Counsellor Conservation Manager Student Experience Officer Council Member Migrant Support Worker Art Therapist Community Outreach Coordinator International Development Worker Behaviour Support Specialist Crime Prevention Officer Social Justice Advocate Community Arts Worker Policy Researcher Community Worker Human Rights Activist Youth Support Officer Community Services Officer Arts Programmer Human Rights Advocate Editorial Writer Creative Writer Climate Scientist Resource Economist Agricultural Economist Neurologist Community Educator Mental Health Advocate Nutrition Advisor Nutrition Scientist Healthcare Social Worker Palliative Care Social Worker Law Enforcement Officer Youth Officer Probation Officer Mental Health Case Manager Hospital Social Worker Disability Advocate Social Welfare Officer Education Support Officer Community Engagement Coordinator Humanitarian Aid Worker Cultural Advisor Indigenous Support Worker Clinical Supervisor Community Health Liaison Addiction Counsellor Global Health Advisor Community Advocate Wellbeing Coordinator Social Work Supervisor Child Psychologist Family Therapist Community Rehabilitation Worker Disability Employment Consultant Youth Advocate Program Evaluator Aged Care Coordinator Doula Community Recovery Officer Gerontologist Health Advisor
+ 80 more
  • 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 Social Worker Park Manager Rehabilitation Counsellor Life Coach Remedial Yoga Therapist Intelligence Officer Case Worker Regional Coordinator Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Financial Counsellor Conservation Manager Student Experience Officer Council Member Migrant Support Worker Art Therapist Community Outreach Coordinator International Development Worker Behaviour Support Specialist Crime Prevention Officer Social Justice Advocate Community Arts Worker Policy Researcher Community Worker Human Rights Activist Youth Support Officer Community Services Officer Arts Programmer Human Rights Advocate Editorial Writer Creative Writer Climate Scientist Resource Economist Agricultural Economist Neurologist Community Educator Mental Health Advocate Nutrition Advisor Nutrition Scientist Healthcare Social Worker Palliative Care Social Worker Law Enforcement Officer Youth Officer Probation Officer Mental Health Case Manager Hospital Social Worker Disability Advocate Social Welfare Officer Education Support Officer Community Engagement Coordinator Humanitarian Aid Worker Cultural Advisor Indigenous Support Worker Clinical Supervisor Community Health Liaison Addiction Counsellor Global Health Advisor Community Advocate Wellbeing Coordinator Social Work Supervisor Child Psychologist Family Therapist Community Rehabilitation Worker Disability Employment Consultant Youth Advocate Program Evaluator Aged Care Coordinator Doula Community Recovery Officer Gerontologist Health Advisor + 80 more
CHC51015

Diploma of Counselling
Online
12 - 36 months
$4,997 - $9,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Student Counsellor Family Support Worker Family Counsellor
Youth Counsellor Marriage Counsellor Relationship Counsellor Mental Health Worker Crisis Support Worker Mental Health Practitioner Mental Health Clinician Crisis Counsellor Grief Counsellor Mental Health Counsellor Mental Health Support Worker Rehabilitation Counsellor Life Coach Case Worker Financial Counsellor Art Therapist Community Worker International Student Advisor Youth Support Officer Community Services Officer Human Rights Advocate Community Educator Counselling Psychologist Healthcare Social Worker Palliative Care Social Worker Youth Officer Pastoral Care Worker Hospital Social Worker Disability Advocate Trauma Counsellor Community Engagement Coordinator Child Psychologist Behaviour Therapist Family Therapist Youth Advocate Mental Health Specialist Doula
+ 37 more
CHC42021

Certificate IV in Community Services
Blended, On Campus, Online
6 - 12 months
$30 - $4,300
  • 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 Rehabilitation Counsellor Animal Shelter Attendant Life Coach Case Worker Migrant Support Worker Community Outreach Coordinator Behaviour Support Specialist Community Worker Youth Support Officer Community Services Officer Community Educator Mental Health Advocate Youth Officer Probation Officer Social Welfare Officer NDIS Worker Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Court Support Worker Cultural Advisor Indigenous Support Worker Community Health Liaison Community Advocate Disability Employment Consultant Youth Advocate Doula Community Recovery Officer
+ 44 more
CHC53315

Diploma of Mental Health
Online
12 months
$7,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Mental Health Worker Family Support Worker Peer Support Worker
Support Worker Outreach Worker Crisis Support Worker Mental Health Practitioner Intake Worker Mental Health Support Worker Rehabilitation Counsellor Life Coach Remedial Yoga Therapist Advanced Personal Trainer Community Worker Community Services Officer Human Rights Advocate Mental Health Advocate Healthcare Social Worker Palliative Care Social Worker Probation Officer Mental Health Case Manager Addiction Counsellor Wellbeing Coordinator Psychiatric Nurse Child Psychologist Behaviour Therapist Family Therapist Neuroscientist Health Advisor
+ 26 more
CHC50421

Diploma of Youth Work
Online
12 months
$7,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Youth Worker Youth Counsellor Youth Support Worker
Youth Case Worker Welfare Worker Youth Justice Officer Outreach Worker Child Safety Officer Intake Worker Peer Support Worker Rehabilitation Counsellor Life Coach Community Worker Youth Support Officer Community Services Officer Human Rights Advocate Youth Officer Youth Engagement Officer Youth Adviser Child Psychologist
+ 17 more

Bachelor of Social Work
Blended, On Campus, Online
4 years
$0 - $100,160
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Social Worker Caseworker Social Welfare Officer
Aged Care Social Worker Family Support Worker Mental Health Social Worker Community Liaison Officer Community Volunteer Correctional Case Manager Art Therapist Public Service Officer Community Worker Human Rights Activist Multicultural Liaison Officer Youth Support Officer Community Services Officer Community Psychologist Hospital Social Worker Youth Engagement Officer Humanitarian Aid Worker Youth Adviser Human Rights Officer International Aid Worker Clinical Social Worker Community Advocate Youth Advocate Aged Care Coordinator Mental Health Specialist Youth Minister Community Recovery Officer
+ 27 more

Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $37,896
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Guidance Officer Community Worker Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
Counselling Psychologist Social Psychologist Mental Health Specialist
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Guidance Officer Community Worker Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Counselling Psychologist Social Psychologist Mental Health Specialist + 3 more

Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies
On Campus
3 years
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Customs and Border Protection Officer Prosecutor Community Worker
Social Psychologist
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Customs and Border Protection Officer Prosecutor Community Worker Social Psychologist + 1 more

Bachelor of Psychological Studies
On Campus
3 years
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Myotherapist Community Worker Mental Health Advocate
Community Psychologist Disability Advocate Social Psychologist
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Myotherapist Community Worker Mental Health Advocate Community Psychologist Disability Advocate Social Psychologist + 3 more

Bachelor of Youth Work and Criminal Justice
On Campus
3 years
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Customs and Border Protection Officer Community Worker Mental Health Advocate
Community Psychologist
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Customs and Border Protection Officer Community Worker Mental Health Advocate Community Psychologist + 1 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Youth Worker

A Youth Worker supports young people facing challenges like homelessness or family violence, provides guidance, runs group programs, and refers clients to other services

Avg yearly income $65,000
Skill level Advanced

Family Support Worker

Family Support Workers provide guidance and emotional support to families, assisting those at risk and working in various sectors like child protection and community health.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Child Safety Officer

A Child Safety Officer identifies at-risk children and ensures their protection through assessments, investigations, and case management.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Advanced

Youth Support Worker

Youth Support Workers assist young people with employment, housing, and education while addressing social, financial, and emotional challenges through counselling and outreach.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

Youth Case Worker

Youth Case Workers assist children and teens individually, enhancing their lives while managing files and navigating social welfare systems.

Avg yearly income $72,020
Skill level Advanced

Welfare Worker

Welfare Workers assist disadvantaged individuals in accessing social services, conducting assessments, and referring them to appropriate support agencies.

Avg yearly income $82,680
Skill level Advanced

Youth Justice Officer

Youth Justice Officers supervise young offenders in custody, fostering personal development while ensuring security and referring them to essential services.

Avg yearly income $76,752
Skill level Advanced

Outreach Worker

Outreach Workers raise awareness, educate on community issues, and build relationships with organisations to address challenges collaboratively.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

Social Welfare Officer

Social Welfare Officers support individuals and families facing challenges like mental health, unemployment, or homelessness through outreach and direct aid.

Avg yearly income $100,880
Skill level Advanced

Community Outreach Coordinator

Community Outreach Coordinators manage outreach programs for vulnerable populations, balancing fieldwork with administrative tasks and coordination.

Avg yearly income $98,280
Skill level Advanced

Youth Engagement Officer

Youth Engagement Officers promote education and wellbeing in vulnerable youth through outreach programs and support initiatives.

Avg yearly income $83,200
Skill level Advanced

Youth Support Officer

A Youth Support Officer provides guidance and support to young people, creating personalised plans and facilitating access to community resources.

Avg yearly income $77,220
Skill level Advanced

Youth Adviser

A Youth Adviser supports young people by providing guidance in education, employment, and personal development while developing tailored programs.

Avg yearly income $80,496
Skill level Advanced

Philosophy Teacher

A Philosophy Teacher instructs on philosophical theories, ethical dilemmas, and critical thinking, fostering independent thought through discussions and assessments.

Avg yearly income $118,040
Skill level Advanced

Youth Officer

A Youth Officer supports young people aged 12-25 in their development, offering guidance, activities, and counselling to help them thrive.

Avg yearly income $73,736
Skill level Advanced

Youth Advocate

A Youth Advocate represents young people's interests, helping them access services and navigate challenges while empowering informed decision-making.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Advanced

Youth Minister

Youth Ministers foster young people's spiritual growth in community settings, organising events, leading worship, and providing guidance.

Avg yearly income $52,000
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much do Community Workers earn?

Salaries for Community Workers in Australia start at $50,000 per annum but increase according to your professional experience, specialist skills, and qualifications.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for Community Workers?

There are at least 24,400 Community Workers employed in Australia right now. They work for government agencies, healthcare providers, non-profits and charitable organisations.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Community Worker?

To get a job as a community worker, choose an interest area (eg, disability, aged care, youth work, DFV, drug and alcohol) and complete a VET qualification from the community services training package. Suitable qualifications include the Certificate IV in Housing, Certificate IV in Mental Health, Diploma of Youth Work, Diploma of Child and Family Intervention, Diploma of Community Services, Diploma of Counselling. You will also need a current driver’s licence, Working With Children Check, and National Police Clearance. If you are seeking a high-end career in community work, obtain a Bachelor’s degree and post-graduate qualifications. Examples include: Bachelor of Community Services, Bachelor of Social Welfare, Bachelor of Youth Work and Criminal Justice. We recommend checking the Student Guides on the Australian Community Worker’s Association (ACWA) website for more information.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

What do social workers do?

11th December 2019)

7 reasons to start a career in community services

15th June 2018)

How to start a career in Social Work

18th May 2021)

Courses by location