Community services deliver much-needed help when it comes to providing emergency housing, food relief, counseling, health clinics, child care services, aged care, and other services that all affect the community’s most vulnerable members.
A career in community services can be challenging at times, but it can also be hugely fulfilling. If you’re the kind of person who is passionate about social justice, has an optimistic and patient nature, and is determined to help people enact positive changes in their lives, then a career in community services might be an excellent fit for you.
Working in community services in Australia means that you’ll be dealing with vulnerable people who might be experiencing poverty, discrimination, domestic violence or hardship.
Top 5 reasons why community services is a rewarding career
1. Job Variety
Unlike a lot of other job sectors, community services gives employees a huge selection of client areas to work in.
This means that as you move throughout your career, you can continue to grow and progress until you find your perfect niche.
Client areas in the community services sector include:
- Aged care
- Disability services
- Indigenous and multicultural support
- Asylum seekers and refugee services
- Mental health and counseling
- Child protection
- Family services
- Schools
- Emergency relief
- Housing and community development
2. There’s Room to Move and Build a Career
There are dozens of different roles that come under the community services banner, ensuring that employees have plenty of room to move and expand their skill set. This means that you could follow a number of different paths throughout your community services career until you find your niche.
Just some of the roles out there include:
- Case Worker
- Crisis Intervention Worker
- Case Management Supervisor
- Community Services Manager
- Program Coordinator
- Support Case Worker
- Counselor
- Community Development Officer
- Child Protection Officer
3. Work in Not-for-Profit, Government or Private Sectors
Community Service Workers have the ability to work in all three of these sectors.
Each sector comes with its own perks and benefits, so workers can pick which sector benefits them the most, and delivers the most job satisfaction.
4. It’s a Growth Area
The healthcare industry in Australia is the country’s fastest growing sector. Community Services has continued to grow in relation to demand over the past few years. Predictions are set for the number of employees to continue rising, which means there will be plenty of job opportunities for those wishing to enter community services.
5. Flexible Working Hours
Some community services roles will be 24/7. This means you can find a job that fits around your schedule, and you can work the hours that are suitable for you.
Are you ready for a career in community services?
If you’re interested in beginning a rewarding career in community services, a great place to start is with the diploma of community services case management.
Job Training Institute (JTI) offers this as a course, so you can study in your own time, wherever you are.
For students in Victoria, we also offer this as a blended learning course. This means you get the freedom and flexibility of online study as well as the benefit of face-to-face learning.
What are you waiting for? Enrol with JTI today and discover where a career in community services could take you!
