Duties and Responsibilities
Depending on what role and area they are employed in, community services workers undertake some of the following activities:
- Financial counselling.
- Housing support.
- Education and support for addiction and gambling.
- Child safety and support including foster care services.
- Community health.
- Support and education for people facing violence, disadvantage, or homelessness.
- Advocating and promoting community interests, policies and activities at a government, council, and community level.
- Assistance with securing employment.
Is the Community Services Industry right for you?
Community service professionals work in diverse settings, such as social work, healthcare, counselling, and nonprofit organisations. They often encounter individuals facing significant hardships, trauma, or crises. Their work involves extended hours, heavy workloads, emotionally charged situations, and high levels of responsibility. It is important to consider this prior to deciding on a future in the community services industry.
Skills required to work in the Community Services industry
Active Listening
Communication
Patience and Empathy
Team player
Leadership
Organisation and time management
Conflict management
Ability to recover quickly from emotional difficulty
Ability to stay calm during stressful or crisis situations
Helpful Industry Links
Find out more about the Community Services Industry:
Did you know?
Community services is one of the largest industries in Tasmania, employing around 28,000 people. More people than other areas such as construction, accommodation, agriculture, forestry, and fishing.
Common workplace requirements
- Working with Vulnerable People’s check
- Police Check
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Drivers Licence and fully insured vehicle
Careers in Community Services
Due to the ever-increasing demand for people working in the field community services, there are many roles that you will be able to undertake once you have completed the relevant qualifications. From Community Housing to Family Support worker, the options are wide and varied, and can include:
- Assistant community services worker
- Receptionist
- Residential support worker
- Welfare support worker
- Accommodation support worker
- Aboriginal health education officer
- Domestic violence worker
- Community legal officer
- Family support worker
- Homelessness intervention officer
- Community care manager
- Volunteer coordinator
- Family services coordinator
- Youth worker
- Community housing officer
How to get into the industry
To prepare you for a career in in the growing field of community services, TasTAFE offers several courses that suit your experience and knowledge.
CHC22015 - Certificate II in Community Services
This qualification may be used as a pathway for workforce entry as community services workers who provide a first point of contact and assist individuals in meeting their immediate needs. At this level, work takes place under direct, regular supervision within clearly defined guidelines.
CHC32015 - Certificate III in Community Services
This qualification is required for entry-level community services workers who support individuals through the provision of person-centred services. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or support the implementation of specific community-based programs. At this level, work takes place under the direction of others and supervision may be direct or indirect. Work may take place in a range of community services organisations.
CHC42015 - Certificate IV in Community Services
This qualification is for people looking to advance their careers in community service. A Certificate IV qualification allows graduates to design and deliver person-centred services to individuals and/or groups. Workers may provide support, advocacy or interventions to individual clients, groups, or communities across a range of services. At this level, workers may be autonomous with limited responsibility within established parameters and may be required to supervise and lead other workers in projects or teams. Work may take place in a range of community service, casework, or case management contexts.
CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services
This qualification is for people looking to advance their careers into the management, coordination and/or delivery of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communities. At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously under broad directions from senior management. Workers are usually providing direct support to individuals or groups of individuals. Workers may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers and/or case management, program coordination or the development of new business opportunities.
Please note: These courses contain content, concepts and scenarios that may be distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when looking into study and employment in this field.