10 reasons to start a career in community services

Community services is one of the largest sectors in Australia.

In fact, LinkedIn’s 2021 ‘Jobs on the Rise’ report listed a number of community services roles as being the most in-demand jobs in Australia right now – most notably, Youth Workers, Social Services Specialists, Childcare Workers and Case Managers.

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.

Community services deliver much-needed help when it comes to providing emergency housing, food relief, counselling, health clinics, child care services, aged care, and other services that all effect 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.

Top 10 reasons why community services is a rewarding career

1. Make a real difference in people’s lives

Working in community services, you will have an impact on the welfare of vulnerable people.

Every single day you make a difference to the quality of people’s lives. Your actions help those who are struggling the most to build better lives, and to give them hope for a brighter future.

You also help to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

2. Job variety: one qualification, lots of roles

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 counselling
• Child protection
• Family services
• Schools
• Emergency relief
• Youth justice
• Housing and community development

3. Watch people grow

With your help, advice, advocacy, and support, your clients will grow. You can help them live fuller lives.

Things may take time to change, and the results of your hard work may not be immediately obvious. But no matter how small these changes seem at first, you can rest assured that you’re helping someone to improve their quality of life.

4. Advocate for the rights of people who can’t fight for themselves

Do you have a strong sense of social justice? Do you believe in fighting for the rights of people who are unable to stand up for themselves?

As a community services worker, you are a superhero. You take on and fight for the rights of your clients, who often are people that can’t fight for themselves.

Going in to bat for your clients, you tackle the social, legal and economic barriers that trap people and keep them in at-risk situations.

By using your voice, influences and connections, you can fight for others’ rights.

5. 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 skillset. 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
• Counsellor
• Community Development Officer
• Child Protection Officer
• Welfare Worker
• Community Care Coordinator
• Halfway House Supervisor
• Women’s Centre Program Supervisor

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Work in regional and remote areas, as well as cities

Community Service Workers are needed nationwide, in big and small cities, regional towns, as well as rural and remote locations.

The bonus of this nationwide demand is that workers have a lot of options when it comes to where they want to live and work.

9. 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.

10. Personal growth

Giving back to society provides you with a sense of satisfaction, and makes you feel good about yourself. Meanwhile, the interesting challenges involved in the career push you to grow as a person. You’ll work closely with different people from all walks of life, which may help you to become a more empathetic and emotionally intelligent person.

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 CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services.

OC offers this as an online course, so you can study in your own time, wherever you are.

What are you waiting for? Enrol with OC today and discover where a career in communiy services could take you!