What Are Community Services?
Community services help make our communities healthier and happier places by providing a wide range of support and services, to those residents, both young people, adults and older people, who are disadvantaged in some way, such as concerns with mental health. This often involves advocacy, awareness, child protection and engagement initiatives which are focused on health, social and environmental concerns.
Often described as the not-for-profit sector, most community service organisations operate via government funding and/or private donations, with many filling a need that the government simply doesn’t have the capacity to address.
Jobs in community services and community health can include any of the following:
- Aged Carer and Individual Support
- Family Day Care Educator
- Community Arts worker
- Case Manager
- Counsellor
- Housing Assistant
- Indigenous Health Worker
- Multicultural Liaison
- Recreation Officer
- Community Services Worker
- Youth Development Worker
- Support Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Community Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Youth Worker
- Community Services in Australia
Every year, millions of Australians benefit from the hard work and dedication of our community services industry, which now includes almost 16,000 organisations and upwards of 600,000 employees.
This vibrant industry has grown by 7.4% over the past five years alone and is expected to be worth more than $49 billion in the next year.
Most roles in community services and community development involve working business hours in an office setting, although meetings, projects and events will often take place during evenings and weekends as well. While jobs are found all over the country, most community services positions are currently located in NSW.
Salaries within the industry vary depending on your speciality, for example, family day care educators earn an average of $41,600, recreation officers earn $62,556, while case managers typically make around $72,607.
Community Services Courses
To be of maximum benefit to the community, there’s a lot you need to know, as a significant part of any community services role will involve connecting residents with the supports and services they need. there are so many community service courses available right across the country, with many being online or blended in nature to make it more convenient for you to study at TAFE where you want; when you want.
Certificate
Certificate level community service courses provide a fast and easy way to learn the basics and provide an effective pathway into entry-level roles. Most programs can be completed in 12-18 months and whether you take case management courses, youth work programs, or aged care and disability courses, your qualifications will be recognised Australia-wide. One of the most widely studied courses is the Certificate IV in Community Services, or there’s the Certificate IV in Youth Work. There is also the Certificate III in Community Services. These courses are fundamental in developing the experience and knowledge that are essential in delivering personal and committed services to a range of groups in the community, including youths, families, children and those with disabilities. A certificate qualification develops skills such as building relationships, networking, communicating effectively as well as planning and conducting activities.
Diploma
Those interested in advancing beyond entry-level roles will benefit from a diploma-level qualification, such as a Diploma of Community Services or even a Diploma of Social Work. These popular programs cover everything from facilitating groups, advocating for clients, and building networks through to a broad range of legal and ethical concerns. You can even focus your studies on the type of community service that interests you most. The duration is typically 18 months and typically don’t include any entry requirements. They are fantastic at developing a holistic approach to assisting a range of community groups and playing an important role in bettering the lives of the people around you.
Regardless of the course you choose, every community services course advertised here is taught by skilled and knowledgeable professionals and you’ll get all the support you need to reach your full potential every step of the way.
Some Community Services courses you can study:
- Diploma of Youth Work
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
- Bachelor of Community Services
- Certificate III in Community Services
- Certificate IV in Youth Work
These courses can be studied as an online course, or in-class at TAFE or an RTO in Australia. Community services courses generally include work placement in an environment where you can put your skills to the test, and get acquainted with your role in the industry.
Career Prospects in Community Services
Australia’s community services sector is booming at the moment, which is in large, being driven by our rapidly growing aged care industry. According to a recent study by the Australian Federal Government, strong growth is expected throughout the community services sector for at least the next 5-10 years, which means plenty of opportunities for new graduates right across the country.
Is a Career in Community Service Right for You?
It takes a special kind of person to thrive in community services, as this is a career that requires a passion for the health and happiness of the entire community. The following skills and talents will hold you in good stead;
- Leadership qualities
- Expert event planning skills
- Clear communication
- Exceptional organisational abilities
- Strong writing skills
- A talent for solving problems
- Creative thinking
- High-level networking
If you’re ready to take the plunge into community services, you’ll find a wide selection of in-class and online programs to suit your unique needs and career aspirations.
So, what are you waiting for? Enquire on a course today and make a real difference to people’s lives with a career in community services.