Eligibility

Eligibility for each of the member types varies, depending on experience within the sector, qualifications and other factors.

To be a member of the association, you must be willing to adhere to ACWA's Code of Ethics.

Full Member

You can apply to be a Full Member if you satisfy the criteria set out in the membership assessment criteria for admission to the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).

For full information, download the Membership Assessment Criteria information sheet.

Generally, this means that you will need provide evidence that you:

• are a graduate of a course and campus which held ACWA approved course status throughout the period of study,

OR

• are employed, have been employed, or are seeking employment in welfare or community work, and

• can satisfy ACWA that you are eligible, based on assessment of your relevant qualifications, work experience, recognition of prior learning, and/or competency assessment.
  Please refer to Pathway B information sheet.
  

If you wish to confirm whether you meet the membership assessment criteria for admission to membership of the ACWA, please contact us.

You can apply to be a Full Member - Volunteer if you:

• are otherwise eligible for Full Membership, and
• have been engaged in voluntary or unpaid professional practice as a welfare or community worker for more than an average of 4 hours per week for the previous 12 months.

You can apply to be a Full Member - Permanently Retired from the Workforce if you:

• are otherwise eligible for Full Membership, and
• are no longer in paid or unpaid work.

Additional evidence may be required, depending on your qualification and time since graduating. For more information, see How to apply.

Student Member

You can apply to be a Student Member if you are currently enrolled in a course and at a campus which holds ACWA approved course status.

Affiliate Member

Affiliate Members pay reduced fees and can access many of the benefits of membership, including networking opportunities. Affiliate Members are individuals involved in the community services sector who do not qualify as a Full Member. They can become Full Members once additional qualifications or experience is attained. Eligibility for Affiliate Membership may be extended to persons currently working/volunteering in or desirous of working/volunteering in Community Services.

Affiliate membership can be offered to:

1. An applicant who has a relevant qualification at Diploma or Higher level but no Relevant  Professional Experience, or less than 3 years of Relevant Professional Experience.

2. An applicant with a relevant qualification at a minimum Certificate IV level and more than 2 years full time or part time equivalent and Relevant Professional Experience in the last 5 years prior to the application.

3. An applicant with no relevant qualifications and more than 3 years full time or part time equivalent and Relevant Professional Experience in the last 5 years prior to the application

Affiliate Members do not have voting rights and receive no insurance coverage. For more information please refer to the following documents:

Affiliate Membership Details

Evidence Requirements for Affiliate Membership