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If you love helping others and would like to make a living by working with young people, helping them find the right path or giving a hand to people who abuse certain substances, there are hundreds of opportunities waiting for you in community services. Because of the nature of most positions in this field, in most cases, you need formal qualifications to get hired. And there are a lot of different options you could choose from, both when it comes to qualification and employment opportunities.
As an employee of the Australian community services industry, you can opt to work with families, young people, minorities or those who undergo certain life difficulties. The most popular way of securing a job are formal qualifications – and it doesn’t matter whether you are just entering the workforce or are looking to turn your professional life around. The most popular options include:
Each of the above diplomas opens for you a path to multiple positions, available in non-governmental, not-for-profit, and private sectors. Depending on the chosen area, you might be working for welfare centres, community development organisation social enterprises, detention facilities, and many other places. It’s important to at least slightly get an understanding of which path you would like to choose during your education process so that you focus on developing the most appropriate skills for that particular position.
Embarking on a domestic violence support worker course requires a specialized qualification. A course in this field equips you with the skills needed to assist and advocate for those affected by domestic violence, paving the way for a meaningful role in community services. This essential certification not only prepares you for impactful work but also enhances your prospects in a fulfilling career dedicated to helping others.
Coping with People, Their Problems, and Legal Requirements
Community workers serve people helping them resolve their personal or family issues. While there are skills that are impossible to gain with formal qualifications and which are essential for this kind of work – such as empathy – there’s a lot you can learn if you choose the right course. Because you will be working with families (often dysfunctional), pregnant teens, people who abuse certain substances, the homeless as well as elderly, it’s important that you learn how to develop a plan of action in each case, and the know-how to assist people with their emotional issues.
Apart from being genuinely interested in working with other people and helping them solve their (often tough) problems, you need to understand all the legal and ethical requirements and aspects of your work. Your primary job is usually to advocate for the rights of individuals you work with and provide them with support, information, and care. You have to know how to help them and where to look for help, pointing them towards the right people or institutions.
Getting Employed
Once you complete your diploma, you should focus on applying to organisations that you are interested in. Luckily, some diplomas require you to complete volunteer work during your education. Even if you don’t have such a requirement, it’s highly recommended that you look for volunteer work in the field. Not only you will get a better understanding of which path you want to pursue, but you will also get the necessary experience that together with your professional qualifications increase your credibility and chances of securing relevant employment in your chosen field.
Enhancing Leadership in Community Services
For those aiming to lead initiatives within community services, pursuing leadership and management courses can be incredibly beneficial. These courses equip you with the skills necessary to manage teams, oversee projects, and drive change effectively. By integrating leadership training, you prepare yourself not just to participate in the community but to shape its future actively. These management skills are crucial when coordinating with non-profits, governmental agencies, and other organizations, ensuring that your efforts are as impactful as possible.
The formal requirements have one other advantage. They stop people who do not have any formal education in the field from applying. This means that once you complete your course, you stand a much higher chance of landing your dream career. And since you are thinking of pursuing a career in such a demanding field, you probably have all the personal traits, required to work with others and all you need is a community services courses online to make your dream come true!
Additionally, if your passion lies specifically in working with children, our child care courses online can equip you with specialised skills and knowledge to excel in early childhood education.
