Community Services

• What is it like to work in community services?

  As a community services worker, you'll be supporting others to improve their livelihoods and wellbeing, creating positive change and impact. You'll generally work with people that are part of the vulnerable populations, where they may face ongoing mental and physical health issues or struggling with substance abuse.
  
  There are a wide range of specialisations you can explore within the community services industry. This includes:

  • Aged Care
  • Disability
  • Case Management
  • Mental Health
  • Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
  • Youth Work

  Community services workers have the ability to work in a variety of settings, which includes hospitals, government institutions and other related health facilities.

• What career outcomes can you achieve in community services?

  Depending on what qualification you end up studying with Upskilled, there are a variety of career outcomes you can pursue that may be in line with your career goals. The community services sector has an extensive range of career opportunities available and it'll depend on where your passion lies. At the end of the day, you'll have the opportunity to work in an industry where job satisfaction and career fulfilment is high.
  
  The following are potential career pathways you can explore:  

  • Aged care worker
  • Mental health worker
  • Drug and alcohol support worker
  • Disability support worker

• What are the employment prospects in community services?

  If you're interested in a career in community services, here are some interesting facts and figures that can help you decide if this is the pathway for you:

  • Most community services workers need a formal qualification, and generally go through Vocational and Education Training (VET).
  • The future growth for employment opportunities in community services is very strong.
  • The average weekly pay for community services workers is $1,328.
  • 80% of community services workers are female, with an average age of 45.

• Why should you work in community services?

  • Make a real difference in people's lives: No matter what role you choose to pursue in the community services industry, the support and care you'll give to other people can create a positive impact.
  • A variety of work available: You have room to move in the community services industry, so if you want to be in a different role, it's possible to do this as there are plenty of other sectors you can explore.
  • The industry is booming: It's projected that by 2023, the industry will have over 1.9 million employees. With Australia's ageing population, there is a high demand for skilled workers in community services - particularly in aged care.
  • Develop useful transferable skills: Being a team player, having the ability to solve problems and critical thinking are transferable skills you can gain from working in community services, which can help you interact with people on a daily basis.

• Is community services the right career path for you?

  If you're someone that is after a career that doesn't involve sitting at a desk-job, community services offers flexibility and involves a lot of hands-on work. The community services industry also has a range of specialisations you can explore, from aged care to mental health to youth work. This means you don't have to stick to one area if you get bored - you have the ability to move around and take on other exciting work challenges throughout your career.
  
  People who work in community services are compassionate and considerate individuals who want to help people when it comes to the challenges they face in their everyday lives. If you identify with the following personality traits, these can help you find career success as a community services worker:

  • Compassion and empathy
  • Resilience
  • Organised
  • Flexible
  • Patience and tact

• Why should you study community services?

  Studying community services online can provide you with the flexibility needed to plan your work and personal commitments around your study schedule.
  
  At Upskilled, we understand the importance of having a mix of practical and theory components to prepare you for work in the community services industry, so our courses include assessments that can help you achieve your desired career outcome.
  
  By studying community services with Upskilled, you'll have access to:
   

  • Student Support Services: Our consultants will be ready to assist should you run into issues throughout your studies.
  • Work Placement: You'll have the opportunity to undertake work placement at a host organisation of your choice, where you can put the theory you learn into practice (only available through diploma and certificate-level qualifications, excluding counselling and community sector management).
  • Role-Playing and Interactive Learning Activities: Our specialist trainers may run ad-hoc Interactive Learning Activities in support of your studies. During these sessions, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with other students. Upskilled's community services  courses also include assessments that involve role-playing, making them interactive and fun. You'll get the opportunity to round up your colleagues, family or friends and participate in work-based scenarios that can prepare you for a range of situations in the community services industry.

• Is community services a good career?

  If you're someone that has an outgoing personality and the desire to create an impact on the lives of other people, community services is an industry that offers plenty of rewarding work that can make the most of your strengths and qualities.
  
  If you enjoy working with others, can easily relate to people and prefer a role that is hands-on, working as a community services worker can possibly be a job title that you can naturally flourish in.

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