Do you like helping people in need?
If you are interested in supporting those less able than yourself, be it due to their age, a disability or social situation, you might want to consider a career in Community Services. Read on and learn about Community Services career pathways, job opportunities and the types of certifications to ensure your best chance of success working in this rewarding sector.
What is Community Services?
The Community Services industry is vast. It encompasses many different streams of administrative and practical support created to help people in communities go about their lives – many are considered vulnerable due to their age, health or socio-economic status.
Multiple types of organisations make up the Community Services sector, including:
- Government agencies – providing services like public health, social welfare, housing, education, and infrastructure
- Healthcare providers – such as community health centres, hospitals and clinics
- Not-for-profit organisations – charities focused on healthcare, education and poverty prevention
- Social services agencies – supporting victims of domestic violence, homelessness and substance abuse
To enjoy a career in Community Services, individuals should first have a certificate or diploma.
[Learn more about Community Services courses]
What Does Work in the Community Services Sector Involve?
If you are passionate about helping others, self-motivated, and have great communication and interpersonal skills, a career in community services could suit you to a tee!
Due to its vast size and scope, jobs in the sector vary significantly. This is great news for people interested in working in Community Services, with wide-ranging roles available for dedicated and experienced personnel.
Some Community Services roles are office-based, where you form part of a support team within an organisation. You might be tasked with assessing an individual’s needs, planning or rolling out a support programme to help them, or offering emotional support.
Other jobs are in-home, working directly with a client to provide whatever hands-on support they need. This might be an elderly person no longer able to drive and needs help with their shopping, or a teenager who recently had a baby and is struggling to cope emotionally.
Jobs offering variety are most definitely on the cards when you work in Community Services.
What’s more, this fast-growing sector is currently increasing by 5% each year. This means new job openings will only continue to increase, giving people who are qualified to work in the sector exponential opportunities for a rewarding career.
[Learn more about careers in Community Services]
What Are the Main Community Services Certifications?
Working in the Community Services sector requires a tertiary qualification, of which there are several available:
CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services
This course is an ideal entry-level qualification for people wanting to begin a career in Community Services. Students gain a broad range of skills to support the needs of a diverse set of people in health or community services, including how to:
- Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- Work within a community development framework
- Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships
On completing this course, students are qualified to take on a Case Worker role or something similar However, some students choose to focus on a single area within the community arena and complete a further certificate to increase their specific skills – such as Certificate III in Individual Support, with an individual specialism in Ageing, Disability or Home and Community.
CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services
On completing Certificate III, individuals may choose to find work or continue their studies with Certificate IV in Community Services.
This course trains students in more advanced skills, prepping them to work in case management, client services or community development. On completion, individuals are equipped to provide first point of contact, assess physical and mental wellbeing, and work with people suffering from mental health issues.
Sector specialism is available after this course through further study – for example, by studying Certificate IV (Disability) or a Diploma.
CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services (focus on Mental Health)
Some working in Community Services may want to increase their chances of a senior position. In this case, a Diploma is recommended. Advanced learning provides students with the ability to manage more serious cases, equipped with the skills and knowledge to:
- Develop and implement service programs
- Recognise and respond to domestic and family violence
- Manage legal and ethical compliance
- Support people managing mental health, drug or alcohol issues
Explore all Community Services certificates Australia
Career Pathways in Community Services
As you can see, the career opportunities in community services are extensive. Depending on the certificates you choose to complete, your career pathway in Community Services may differ in terms of who you support and how.
Here are some of the many job roles available on completing a relevant certificate in Community Services:
Aged Care Coordinator:
- Geriatric Social Worker
- Senior Services Manager
Case Worker or Manager:
- Social Services Case Manager
- Healthcare Case Manager
Child and Youth Worker:
- Youth Officer
- Child Welfare Worker
Community Health Worker:
- Health Educator
- Outreach Coordinator
Community Organiser:
- Grassroots Organiser
- Advocacy Coordinator
Counsellor:
- Mental Health Counsellor
- Substance Abuse Counsellor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
Education Coordinator:
- Adult Education Coordinator
- Community Education Specialist
Family Support Worker:
- Family Advocate
- Family Services Specialist
Housing Support Worker:
- Homeless Shelter Worker
- Housing Counsellor
- Tenants Advisory Worker
Not for profit Program Coordinator:
- Program Manager
- Community Outreach Coordinator
Policy Analyst:
- Social Policy Analyst
- Community Development Analyst
Pastoral Care Worker
- Pastoral Care Counsellor
- Pastoral Care Manager
Public Health Specialist:
- Public Health Educator
- Health Promotion Specialist
Rehabilitation Counsellor:
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor
- Disability Services Coordinator
Residential Care Worker
Social Worker:
- Clinical Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Medical Social Worker
- Social Welfare Worker
Support Worker:
- Aged Care Support Worker
- Disabilities Support Worker
- Home and Community Support Worker
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist:
- Prevention Program Coordinator
- Substance Abuse Educator
A rewarding career in family and Community Services awaits you at Insight Training!
Study a certificate in Community Services and fast-track towards employment in one of Australia’s fastest-growing sectors.
Flexible, affordable study are just two reasons to learn with Australia’s leading RTO, Insight Training.
Talk to our team today about our Community Services courses.
