Welfare Worker

Welfare Workers help marginalised, isolated and disadvantaged people access social welfare services and community support. Your daily job involves working one-on-one with clients, liaising with case managers and doing the associated paperwork.

As a Welfare Worker you’ll be interviewing clients and assessing their difficulties, then referring them to the appropriate government agencies and welfare services such as housing, social security, education and healthcare. You could specialise in child welfare, youth services, ageing, disability, or mental health.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $82,680
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a welfare worker?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
CHC50421

Diploma of Youth Work

Online
12 months
$7,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
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.
CHC43215 & CHC43315

Dual Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs & Certificate IV in Mental Health

Online
17 months
$5,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC50321

Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention

Online
18 months
$6,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
22660VIC

Course in Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Risk

Online
6 weeks
$500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC32015

Certificate III in Community Services

Blended, On Campus, Online
9 - 12 months
$191 - $2,700
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC53215

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Online
12 months
$7,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC43215

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

On Campus, Online
12 - 14 months
$1,209 - $4,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC42121

Certificate IV in Community Development

Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $5,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Common questions

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