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A support worker provides assistance to those having difficulty living their everyday lives. This aid can come in a variety of forms, including helping with tasks such as work around the house, administrative paperwork, personal medical attention and more. This emotional and practical support aims to help clients and patients live their lives as freely as possible. Clients and patients can include individuals as well as full households impacted by a range of issues including, but not limited to, injury or illness, disability and addiction.
Depending on the specific role and location, support workers can find themselves working in homes, as part of community centres or even in medical clinics. Their duties will often involve collaborating with educators, employers and other medical professionals to develop and deliver care programs that suit each specific client's needs.
There are 19 courses available for people who want to become a Support Worker. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
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..
Average duration: 12 months.
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..
A Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 is perfect for students seeking careers as community services workers supporting people with mental health issues. Students learn about working collaboratively, maintaining personal safety, helping people affected by drugs and alcohol, facilitating recovery, as well as managing grief and trauma. The Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package..
The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is excellent for students seeking careers as community services workers. Students begin with the foundation skills essential for maintaining personal safety while helping others. They learn how to manage personal stress, and communicate with clients from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. Students are then able to choose electives to pursue career interests such as working with the elderly, working with children and young people, drugs and alcohol and mental health. The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package..
If you’ve lived through mental illness and would like to help others through their own recovery why not consider the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (CHC43515). This nationally recognised training qualification will teach you how to apply your lived experience in mental health to providing recovery oriented mental health services — as either a volunteer or paid worker. The course covers: trauma, drug and alcohol, planning group activities, working with carers, managing personal stressors, work health and safety.Enquire now for a list of study units, training centres, and enrolment opportunities..
In Australia, a full time support worker generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 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.
After a small dip, there were approximately 65,600 welfare support workers in Australia as of May 2019. That number is expected to grow to approximately 80,500 by May 2024. From 2018-2023 there is expected to be 30,000 job openings.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections and Australian Government Job Outlook
In many cases, you will need qualification in a field such as community services or a similar area of support to pursue a support worker job. The exact level of qualification required can change from role to role. A Certificate II of Community Services and Certificate III of Community Services can take anywhere from 12-24 months each depending on if you study on campus or online and if you study full or part time. Many positions often require you to obtain a working with children check, first aid certificate and national police check.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within counselling 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.
Counselling
Support Worker
$960 weekly pay
Art Therapist
$1,250 weekly pay
Crisis Support Worker
Family Counsellor
$1,150 weekly pay
Life Coach
Marriage Counsellor
Mental Health Clinician
Mental Health Social Worker
$1,736 weekly pay
Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Worker
$1,440 weekly pay
Music Therapist
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Relationship Counsellor
Social Worker
Student Counsellor
Substance Abuse Counsellor
Youth Counsellor
Career Counsellor
$2,115 weekly pay
Counsellor
$1,450 weekly pay
Crisis Counsellor
$1,652 weekly pay
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
$1,920 weekly pay
Grief Counsellor
Guidance Counsellor
$2,307 weekly pay
Mental Health Counsellor
Mental Health Practitioner
$1,500 weekly pay
Psychotherapist
Social Work
Community Volunteer
Salary not available
Community Worker
$962 weekly pay
Volunteer Coordinator
Aboriginal Community Care Worker
$1,050 weekly pay
Caseworker
$1,350 weekly pay
Community Arts Worker
$1,183 weekly pay
Community Corrections Officer
Community Development Officer
$1,802 weekly pay
Community Development Worker
Community Outreach Officer
Community Support Worker
$1,382 weekly pay
Healthcare Social Worker
Hospital Social Worker
Humanitarian Aid Worker
Outreach Worker
Palliative Care Social Worker
Senior Support Worker
Community Development Manager
Learn more about Support Worker courses in your area.