Support Worker

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.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $68,900
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a support worker?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support

On Campus
6 months
$0 - $3,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

On Campus, Online
5 - 12 months
$0 - $7,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC32015

Certificate III in Community Services

Blended, On Campus, Online
52 weeks
$1,950 - $7,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC43015

Certificate IV In Ageing Support

Blended, On Campus, Online
9 - 12 months
$3,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC43515

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

On Campus, Online
10 months
from $1,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC43215 & CHC43315

Dual Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs & Certificate IV in Mental Health

Online
24 months
$6,898
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHCSS00088

Induction

Online
13 weeks
$67 - $227
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC22015

Certificate II in Community Services

Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 - 24 months
$0 - $4,250
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC40321

Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention

Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
6 - 24 months
$0 - $14,107
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHCSS00093

Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set

Blended, On Campus, Online
3 - 6 months
$0 - $4,410
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Common questions

Further reading

What do social workers do?

11th December 2019)

How to start a career in Disability Care

12th April 2021)

7 reasons to start a career in community services

15th June 2018)