Counsellor and Community Worker

Diploma of Alcohol and other Drugs Work

Diploma of Community Services (Lifestyle and Leisure)

Diploma of Community Services Management

Diploma of Community Welfare Work (Specialising in Mental Health Work - Non-clinical)

Diploma of Community Welfare Work (Specialising in Counselling Skills)

Certificate IV in Community Development

Certificate IV in Community Services Work

Certificate IV in Community Services Work (Specialising in Family Support Work)

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

Certificate IV in Mental Health Work (Non-clinical)

Certificate IV in Community Services (Lifestyle and Leisure)

Certificate IV in Community Services (Service Co-ordination)

Certificate IV in Community Services Advocacy

Certificate III in Community Services Work

Certificate III in Community Services Work (Specialising in Alcohol and Other Drugs)

Certificate III in Community Services Work (Specialising in Mental Health Work - Non-clinical)

Certificate II in Community Services Work

Introduction

Many people have personal or social needs that cannot be met at home or at work, which can cause emotional, physical or psychological hardship. But those needs don't have to be overlooked. Luckily, there are services and facilities designed to help. You will be working with community groups, identifying what services people actually need. They work alongside welfare officers and various community service agencies, to encourage and assist people to meet those needs. They are also instrumental in the development of community services, which can have a powerful effect on people's lives. They help all types of people, of different ages and in various settings. It could be the residents of a nursing home, young people at a youth shelter, people at a centre for the disabled, people in Aboriginal communities or migrants and refugees that need their support.

Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Worker, Aged or Disabilities Carer, Child Care Worker, Counsellor and Community Worker, Interpreter, Kitchen hand, Occupational Health & Safety Professional, Police Officer, Tourist Information Officer, VET in Schools Teachers, Youth Worker and Disability Worker

Similar Interests?

Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:

Helping and Community Services

Influencing and Personal Contact

Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Worker, Actor, Author/ Book Editor, Bar Attendant, Beauty Therapist, Building Surveyor, Butcher, Child Care Worker, Counsellor and Community Worker, Fashion Designer, Film,Stage, TV and Radio Director, Florist, Gaming Workers, Hotel Motel Manager, Human Resources Manager, Marketing Specialists, Musician, Nursing (enrolled), Occupational Health & Safety Professional, Police Officer, Project and Program Administrator, Real Estate Agents & Property Managers, Restaurant and Catering Manager, Retail Buyer, Retail Sales, School Services Officer, Security Officer, Tourist Information Officer, Travel and Tour Consultant, VET in Schools Teachers, Youth Worker and Disability Worker

Education Requirements

Of those currently employed 49% have Bachelor Degrees; 15% have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas; 14% have Graduate Diplomas or Graduate Certificates; and 8% have Post Graduate degrees. While 12% have no post school qualifications it is recommended that further study be undertaken to remain competitive when applying for work within the industry.

TAFE SA offers many courses in this area including the following courses: the Certificate I, II, III and IV in Community Services Work and the Diploma of Community Services Management. For further information about these and other related courses please check the TAFE SA website, www.tafe.sa.edu.au. Still Unsure! Then contact the TAFE SA Information Line on 1800 882 661 to enquire about the availability of related short courses.

The University of South Australia offers a Bachelor of Psychology, a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Science degree.

The University of Adelaide offers the following degrees: a Bachelor of Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), A Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).

Flinders University offers the Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) degrees.

Career Path

Counsellors may specialise in working with a particular group such as people from non-English-speaking backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or single parents. Or they may specialise in a service area such as health, accommodation, relationships, employment, career development, grief and loss, stress management, child development and abuse issues.

Employment forecasts indicate above average employment prospects in this occupation. An increase in a range of social problems, such as a growing number of homeless people, marriage breakdowns, increasing numbers of people with financial difficulties, unemployment and literacy problems, all indicate an ongoing need for community services. However, despite growth in this occupation, there are large numbers in training and competition for available places can be intense. Employment prospects also depend on the level of government funding allocated to community organisations.

Industry

Health and Community Services

Interview

To be updated.

Nature of the Job

Most counsellors and community workers are working in community and health service organisations. These organisations offer a wide range of support services to the community, including family support, resettlement programs for migrants and refugees, community and adult education, counselling services and programs for children. They also undertake various community projects. Counsellors and community workers are employed to plan, develop and deliver these programs and services. This may involve the delivery of adult literacy programs or programs that help women prepare for re-entry into the workforce. Financial planning is another area where some people in the community need special help.

Typical Physical Working Environment

Counsellors assist people to better understand themselves by explaining options, setting goals and helping them to take action. They work with clients to find solutions to emotional, mental and lifestyle problems. They can also act as facilitators in group sessions or as mediators in conflict resolution. They work with other professionals such as medical practitioners, psychologists and social workers as part of a health management team.

Counsellors need to have sympathetic and caring nature. It is essential that they have good communication skills, a high level of maturity and good life-coping skills.

Typical Occupational Example

Counsellors and community workers often have clients referred to them by government agencies, such as Centrelink or Family and Children Services, or by non-government organisations. Clients also approach the services themselves. An important task for community workers involves establishing support networks to assist in the promotion of their organisation's services and programs. They communicate with non-government and government organisations to advise them on how clients can better access their services. For example, migrants might be disadvantaged when trying to find accommodation, in which case, community workers might encourage the relevant agencies to employ translators to assist them. They are also required to continually evaluate the effectiveness of community services and programs. Evaluation also helps to pinpoint what new services may be required in the future.

They generally work in an office environment seeing clients, however a considerable amount of time is spent out of the office networking with other community organisations and government departments. To work in this occupation you should be genuinely interested in community issues and working with people. Good communication skills are a must. Not only should you have a rapport with your clients, but you may also be required to liaise with government agencies on their behalf. The ability to resolve conflict quickly is an essential part of this job.

For further information, contact:

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (SA)
PO Box 3027 Rundle Mall SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8232 7511
Fax: (08) 8232 4242
Email: aipcsa@aipc.net.au
Website: www.aipc.net.au

Relationships Australia (SA)
55 Hutt St Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8223 4566
Fax: (08) 8232 2898
Email: mail@rasa.org.au
Website: www.relationships.com.au

Health Services Union of Australia (SA)
Trades Hall Building 11-16 South Tce Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8212 7610
Fax: (08) 8212 7654
Email: hsuasa@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.hsua.asn.au

Earning Potential

The starting salary in this occupation is about $30,000 and may go as high as $60,000. People in management positions can earn between $45,000 and $60,000 per year.