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A community development worker focuses on how to best enhance the public offerings of the neighbourhood or other community in which they work. These efforts can take different shapes depending on the current facilities and programs offered in a community and that specific area's future needs and goals. Often community development workers will work to improve shared recreation areas, public health and housing options and other general welfare issues.
Community development workers will collaborate with a range of colleagues and other key stakeholders to analyse needs before developing and implementing plans for change. These can include members of the community and local government, local businesses, public health agencies, medical professionals and fellow community development team members. Community development workers also often help promote resources available to the public. This role can often fall under the remit of local government or a not-for-profit organisation.
There are 6 courses available for people who want to become a Community Development Worker. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Diploma of Community Services is a nationally recognized qualification that prepares students for leadership roles in the community services sector. Students will develop advanced skills in advocacy, social justice, policy development, and program design. Graduates can work in leadership roles, such as community services manager, program manager, or social policy analyst, in government and non-government organizations..
Average duration: 12 months.
The Certificate IV in Community Services is a nationally recognized qualification that prepares students for a career in the community services sector. You will develop skills in community development, case management, diversity, and ethics. Gain hands-on experience through supervised work placements. Graduates can work in various roles, such as community service worker, case manager, and program coordinator in government and non-government organizations..
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) prepares students for professional social work roles in the health, community services, or non-government sectors. It also serves as a pathway to leadership positions in social work and related fields. This course develops expertise in social work values and practices, focusing on holistic approaches tailored to clients' specific circumstances, backgrounds, and needs. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective and empathetic leadership in social work..
Average duration: 24 months.
The Master of Social Work is a comprehensive course designed to develop skilled professionals in the field of social work. It focuses on imparting knowledge and skills for effective practice in health, community services, and non-government organisations. The course emphasises ethical values, critical thinking, and the ability to implement holistic approaches, considering clients' unique backgrounds and needs. It also provides a pathway to leadership roles, preparing students to address complex social issues with empathy and professionalism in various social work environments..
If you’re passionate about helping people have you considered the Bachelor of Human Services? This fantastic degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities in youth work, women’s services, family support, community development and planning, correctional services, welfare, social policy and research, mental health and more. The program covers: processes and structures in human services, social theory, equity and diversity, human behaviour, interpersonal skills, working in organisations, case management, social welfare counselling skills, and more. Enquire now for the full list of study units and electives, admissions criteria, and universities near you that offer the Bachelor of Human Services..
Average duration: 3 years.
In Australia, a full time community development worker generally earns $1,150 per week ($59,800 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Community development jobs can fall under the general umbrella of welfare, recreation and community arts worker jobs. As of May 2019, there were approximately 36,000 such jobs in Australia. That number is expected to grow to more than 46,500 by May 2024.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections
Many community development worker jobs require a qualification in community services. The level of qualification needed can change from position to position. A Certificate IV of Community Services can take upwards of 12 months to complete depending on your study mode (online, on campus or a mix of both) and if you study full or part time. You will also have to complete work placement. Another option is a Diploma of Community Services with a Case Management Specialisation. This learning pathway can take anywhere from 12-24 months to complete and includes work placement training.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within community management and social work. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Community Management
Community Arts Worker
$1,183 weekly pay
Community Development Officer
$1,802 weekly pay
Community Development Worker
$1,150 weekly pay
Community Education Officer
$1,250 weekly pay
Community Engagement Coordinator
Community Liaison Officer
Community Services Officer
Community Support Worker
$1,382 weekly pay
Fundraising Coordinator
$1,350 weekly pay
Grants Officer
Migrant Support Worker
Community Development Manager
$1,920 weekly pay
Social Work
Community Volunteer
Salary not available
Community Worker
$962 weekly pay
Support Worker
$960 weekly pay
Volunteer Coordinator
Aboriginal Community Care Worker
$1,050 weekly pay
Caseworker
Community Corrections Officer
Crisis Support Worker
Healthcare Social Worker
$1,736 weekly pay
Hospital Social Worker
Humanitarian Aid Worker
Outreach Worker
Palliative Care Social Worker
Senior Support Worker
Social Worker
Learn more about Community Development Worker courses in your area.