In Australia, community services are one of the most important industries.
According to LinkedIn’s 2021 ‘Jobs on the Rise’ report, many community services jobs are currently the most in-demand in Australia. These include Youth Workers, Social Services Specialists, Childcare Workers, and Case Managers.
As a community worker in Australia, you will have to deal with vulnerable people who may be experiencing poverty, discrimination, domestic violence, or hardship.
Providing emergency housing, food relief, counselling, health clinics, child care, aged care, and other services that all affect the most vulnerable members of the community are examples of how community services provide much-needed assistance.
Community service can be challenging at times, but it is also incredibly fulfilling. A career in community services could be a good fit for you if you’re passionate about social justice, optimistic and patient, and keen on helping individuals achieve positive changes in their lives.
Why you should consider a career in community services?
1. Contribute positively to people’s lives
You are making an impact on the welfare of vulnerable people every single day when you work in community services. You are helping those who are struggling most to build better lives and to give them hope for the future.
Moreover, you contribute to building more inclusive, stronger communities.
2. Variety of jobs: one qualification, many jobs
The community services industry gives employees a wide variety of client areas to choose from. This means that as your career develops, you can progress and find your ideal niche.
Among the client areas of community services are:
- Family services
- Schools
- Emergency relief
- Youth justice
- Housing and community development
- Aged care
- Disability services
- Indigenous and multicultural support
- Asylum seekers and refugee services
- Mental health and counselling
- Child protection
3. Observe people’s development
The help, advice, advocacy, and support you provide to your clients will allow them to grow. They can live fuller lives with your help. Things may take time to change, and the results of your efforts may not be visible right away. However, no matter how small these changes seem at first, you can be confident that you are making a difference in someone’s life.
4. Advocate for those unable to defend their rights
Are you concerned about social justice? Are you dedicated to helping the rights of those who are unable to stand up for themselves?
Your job as a community services worker is the equivalent of being a superhero. You fight for the rights of the people who depend on you, often people who can’t speak for themselves.
As an advocate for your clients, you face social, legal, and economic barriers that trap people and keep them in at-risk situations. Through your voice, influence, and connections, you can fight for their rights.
5. The career path is open and there’s room to grow
Community services include dozens of different roles, giving employees the flexibility to expand their skills and move up the career ladder. Therefore, you could pursue a variety of paths throughout your career until you find your niche.
Here are a few examples of roles to choose from:
- Community Development Officer
- Child Protection Officer
- Welfare Worker
- Case Worker
- Community Care Coordinator
- Halfway House Supervisor
- Women’s Centre Program Supervisor
- Crisis Intervention Worker
- Case Management Supervisor
- Community Services Manager
- Program Coordinator
- Support Case Worker
- Counsellor
6. It’s a growing industry
Community Services have continuously grown in relation to demand in Australia’s healthcare industry over the last few years. In the coming years, the number of employees is expected to increase, which means there will be plenty of job opportunities for those wishing to enter the field.
7. Work in the private, public, or not-for-profit sectors
Workers can choose which sector benefits them the most and brings them the most job satisfaction based on the perks and benefits that each sector provides.
8. Work both in remote and urban regions
In addition to large and small cities, regional towns, as well as rural and remote areas, community service workers are required nation-wide. A benefit of this widespread demand is that workers have a lot of choices when it comes to where they want to live and work.
9. Flexible work schedules
Many community services jobs offer positions that are available 24/7. This allows you to find a job that fits your schedule and work the hours you prefer.
10. Personal development
Contributing to society provides a sense of fulfilment, as well as a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, the challenges involved in the career allow you to grow as a person. During this course, you have the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, which helps you develop empathetic and emotionally intelligent characteristics.
Still have more questions? Visit our course page or contact us!
