Community Worker (VIC)

Education and Training:

To become a community worker you usually have to complete a VET qualification in a relevant discipline such as social work, social sciences or community services. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a community worker by studying a relevant field at university. Entry to relevant degree courses usually requires you to gain your VCE. For more details, see the entries for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, Social Worker, Welfare Worker and Youth Worker. Universities have different prerequisites and some may have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

To become a member of the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) you need to complete a degree or a 2-year diploma in community services work, community welfare work, community development, disability work, youth work or similar disciplines at a campus approved by the ACWA. Contact the ACWA for further information and a list of approved courses.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Community workers work with groups of people in various settings including aged-care, youth and community centres; youth shelters; centres for people with disabilities; and Aboriginal communities. They also work for local councils and for the family and community service agencies of state and territory governments.

Many community workers move on to self-employment and undertake contract community work on specific projects. In local government, councils are increasingly working closely with their communities and may be taking on specialist staff.

Community workers may work in urban or remote areas. Employment prospects depend on the level of government funding for community organisations and the number of programs to be conducted and administered.