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Family Support Workers work closely with parents and their families — providing guidance and emotional support, as well as identifying children and families at risk. Your role is varied and could include checking on the welfare of children in foster homes, assisting single-parent families with childcare, or helping a family at risk access emergency housing.
As a Family Support Worker you could be working in child protection, foster care and adoption, domestic violence, community health, or education.
There are 16 courses available for people who want to become a Family Support Worker. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Diploma of Community Services is suitable for students seeking careers in community services, case management or social housing and delivering services to individuals, groups and communities. The Diploma qualification is divided into three specialisations, covering units of competency in Case Management, Social Housing and Statutory and Forensic Child, Youth and Family Welfare depending on the specialisation selected by the student. Learn more.
The Diploma of Counselling is suitable for students seeking careers as counsellors working with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling modalities. Students graduate ready to work in supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice. Students will learn about communication, micro-counselling and interviewing skills and how to draw on varied counselling therapies to assist clients. Learn more.
The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is for students wanting to work or volunteer providing support to people affected by mental illness or have a psychiatric disability. Students complete 15 units which focus heavily on foundation interpersonal skills such as building relationships, working collaboratively, and working with diverse cultural groups. Additionally, students graduate with practical skills and knowledge in trauma informed care, drug and alcohol issues affecting mental health and staying safe at work. To graduate and receive the qualification, each student must complete at least 80 hours of relevant work. The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package. Learn more.
A Diploma of Youth Work CHC50413 is perfect for students seeking a career supporting and mentoring young people. Students graduate with the skills and knowledge required to organise youth programs, activities, and events as well as assist youth in crisis or with mental health issues. The Diploma of Youth Work CHC50413 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package. Learn more.
A Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42015 is great for students seeking careers as community service workers. Students gain core interpersonal and relationship building skills as well as the knowledge to work legally and ethically in Australia. There is also scope within the qualification to pursue interest areas like mental health, suicide and bereavement support, domestic violence, and addictions. The Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42015 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package. Learn more.
In Australia, a full time Family Support Worker generally earns $1,328 per week ($69,056 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 can you expect a higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Opportunities for Family Support Workers in Australia are expected to grow over the next 5 years, with several hundred new jobs opening up each year. Family Support Workers are employed by healthcare and community service organisations.
Source: Australian Government Job Outlook 2020
To get started as a Family Support Worker you will need a VET qualification or university studies in social welfare and community service. Entry level qualifications include: Certificate IV in Mental Health, Certificate IV in Youth Work, Diploma of Child, Youth, and Family Wellbeing, Diploma of Community Welfare and Wellbeing. These take 12-18 months to complete. Family Support Workers also require a national police check and working with children clearance.
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Here are some potential career pathways within child welfare, youth and family intervention and youth work. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Child Welfare, Youth and Family Intervention
Residential Care Worker
$960 weekly pay
Youth Case Worker
Youth Support Worker
Child Safety Officer
$1,150 weekly pay
Family Counsellor
Family Support Worker
$1,340 weekly pay
Outreach Worker
Welfare Worker
Youth Crisis Counsellor
Youth Justice Officer
Youth Work
Youth Worker
$1,250 weekly pay
Learn more about Family Support Worker courses in your area.