Australian Community Workers Association Australian Community Workers Association

Like most of you, our plans for 2020 were disrupted by COVID-19.

Earlier this year, we were set to launch a multimedia campaign promoting careers in community work. But we put that on hold to focus on our members’ immediate needs.

As the pandemic has unfolded, it is apparent that the need for skilled community workers is even greater than before.

We need professionals who can support the increasing number of vulnerable Australians needing vital community services such as housing assistance, financial counselling, mental health support and domestic and family violence support.

We want to encourage as many people as possible to embark on this rewarding career.

To do this, we have produced two videos featuring real community workers sharing their experiences. A representative from the Department of Health and Human Services (VIC) provides an employer perspective.

The videos can be found on our YouTube channel and social media pages. Please help us by sharing them with anyone you know who is considering career options.

If you are ready to kickstart your career, download A-Guide-to-Community-Work-in-Australia.

 

Video 1 – Careers in Community Work

Careers in Community Work explains what a community worker does and how to become one. The video highlights career pathways, job outcomes and key attributes for success.

“This is such a rewarding career because I am able to help my community with their needs… I’d rather be the point of contact that actually states, ‘I am going to help you and this is the way I’m going to do it and I’ve got the techniques – let’s do this.”
Taleah, Family Violence Case Worker

Video 2 – Professionalism in Community Work

Professionalism in Community Work emphasizes that community work is skilled work. It explores the importance of quality training in preparing graduates for practice and the role of professional development in career success.

The demand for community services workers is great, it continues to increase across Australia. The demand is there and the standards, I’m pleased to say, are there too, to ensure we are employing community services with the right technical, right transferable skills and the right attributes." Lisa Schilling, Department of Health and Human Services (VIC)

“The demand for community services workers is great, it continues to increase across Australia. The demand is there and the standards, I’m pleased to say, are there too, to ensure we are employing community services with the right technical, right transferable skills and the right attributes.”
Lisa Schilling, Department of Health and Human Services (VIC)
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