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A senior support worker takes a leadership role in providing assistance for those in need, including those living with disability and aged citizens. Senior support workers provide this assistance in a variety of ways. Whether it be individual aid or assistance as part of a larger group or program, senior support workers are equipped with the knowledge and ability to enhance the daily lives of those would could use some help.
Part of this role will involve typical support worker duties, including but not limited to, helping clients and patients with administrative tasks and other in-home activity, providing personalised medical attention, lending support through socialising and facilitating appointment attendance. They liaise with key parties across education, employment, medicine and more. Senior support workers can also often take on the responsibility of guiding other, more junior, support workers.
There are 2 courses available for people who want to become a Senior Support Worker.
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.
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 senior support 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.
There has been, and looks set to continue to be, a rise in senior support workers and other welfare support jobs across Australia. As of May 2019, there were approximately 65,600 welfare support positions across the country. Some studies show that number could rise to approximately 80,500 by 2024.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections and Australian Government Job Outlook
Many senior support worker jobs generally call for a Community Services Qualification. A Diploma of Community Services can take 12-24 months to complete depending on your study mode (online, on campus or blended) and schedule (full or part-time study) and features a work placement component. A Certificate IV of Community Services can take 12 months to complete depending on study mode and schedule and also features work placement. While these might put you in a great position to find a new job, different positions and locations call for different education, training and experience.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within social work. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Social Work
Community Volunteer
Salary not available
Support Worker
$960 weekly pay
Volunteer Coordinator
Aboriginal Community Care Worker
$1,050 weekly pay
Community Corrections Officer
$1,150 weekly pay
Community Development Worker
Outreach Worker
Senior Support Worker
Social Worker
Community Development Manager
$1,920 weekly pay
Learn more about Senior Support Worker courses in your area.