Community Development Worker Courses
Community Development Workers enhance local services by assessing community needs, implementing improvement plans, and promoting public resources.
AI Exposure
High
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Community Development Worker
Get qualified to work as a Community Development Worker with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
CHC42021
Duration
4 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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.
Career opportunities
Duration
4 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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Estimated fee
From $25,000
The Diploma of Social Science provides a strong foundation in social structures, human behaviour, cultural diversity, and social change. It develops practical skills in analysis, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. Graduates can progress to second-year studies or pursue entry-level roles in human services, criminology, psychology, or related fields. The course equips students to apply social science concepts, communicate findings, collaborate effectively, and demonstrate independence and respo...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $25,000
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CHC52015
Duration
12 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
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.
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
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CHC42015
Duration
8 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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 ...
Career opportunities
Duration
8 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Community Development Worker.
Common questions
How much do Community Development Workers earn?
In Australia, a full time community development worker generally earns $1,600 per week ($83,200 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.
What are the job opportunities for Community Development Workers?
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
How long does it take to become a Community Development Worker?
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.
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If you're passionate about creating real change then a community services course is your next big step forward. Browse accredited courses and check your funding eligibility online.
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Make an impact in the community and change lives through the Alcohol and Other Drugs career pathway. Possible job roles include Rehabilitation Counsellor, Substance Abuse Counsellor and Social Worker. Check your eligibility for...
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Case Management courses are ideal for those wanting to give back to the community and facilitate change in a professional setting. Career pathways include Youth Case Worker and Case Manager. Check your eligibility for governmen...
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More information
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.
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