Community worker
Community workers help facilitate community development initiatives and collective solutions within a community. They support community groups to identify their needs, participate in decision-making and develop appropriate services and facilities.
They frequently act as a source of information and advice to individuals and communities about the services and programs available to them. These workers plan, develop and deliver a range of programs and services, including family support, resettlement programs for migrants and refugees, community and adult education, counselling services and programs for children.
Working conditions
Attendance at evening meetings, and occasional weekend activities can be expected. Community work also requires extensive travel within local and regional communities and considerable personal contact with members of the community from all walks of life.
Tools and technologies
Community workers may be need to be familiar with word processing and desktop publishing software as they may be required to write reports and submissions for funding. These tools will also be useful when developing programs and promoting them in their communities.
Education and training
To become a community worker you usually need to gain a qualification in community services, community development or social sciences.
The Certificate III and IV in Community Services and the Diploma of Community Services are offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Western Australia. To find a training provider near you, browse the Jobs and Skills WA website or visit the My Skills website.
You can also undertake a traineeship in community services work. The community services work (level 2 and level 3) traineeships usually take 12 months to complete and the level 2 traineeship is available as a school-based traineeship. The community services (level 4) traineeship usually takes 24 months to complete.
You can also become a community worker by studying a degree in community services, community development or social science. Some universities in Western Australia offer relevant courses. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information.
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