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Community worker

Find out more about working as a community worker and the possible pathways to job opportunities.

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Community workers are an important part of the community services industry. They provide support to people of all ages with a range of health, welfare and wellbeing issues.

Find out what a community worker does and the related Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses and pathways you can take to secure a job.

What is a community worker?

Community workers run community development programs and find solutions to community problems. Areas of work could include:

You can work in community organisations or welfare agencies. You may also work with young people to help with social, emotional and financial problems.

Find out more about community workers(opens in a new window) and these related jobs on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):

Explore these related TAFE and training courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):

You may be eligible for government funding to help pay for your course.

Median salary

The median weekly earnings for a welfare support worker in Australia is $1,688.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia(opens in a new window)

Note this salary is current as of January 2025 and is indicative only. A range of salaries apply to different roles across the industry. Specific data is not available for community workers.

Job demand in Victoria

Below are the employment projections for welfare support worker jobs in Victoria. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.

‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.

Specific data is not available for community workers.

Region Workers 2024 New workers expected by 2027 New workers expected by 2034
Victoria 20,968 1,175 5,783
Melbourne – inner metropolitan 2,406 161 666
Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan 1,227 53 279
Melbourne – southern metropolitan 2,629 134 735
Melbourne – northern metropolitan 2,851 202 1,023
Melbourne – eastern metropolitan 2,381 100 575
Melbourne – western metropolitan 2,306 207 926
Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) 804 41 191
Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) 1,335 41 292
Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) 1,447 99 434
Gippsland 1,258 61 301
Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) 276 <10 30
Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) 498 16 52
Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) 538 11 104
Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) 567 21 114
Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) 445 19 61

Source: Victorian Skills Authority Employment Projections Dashboard

Career stories

Debbie Birrell case study

Never too late: Debbie finds her passion in mental health

“I help people with complex mental health needs who are working towards recovery. This looks different for each individual. Knowing you can be there to help them achieve their goals is so rewarding.”

Raka Supriatna case study

From chef to caseworker: Raka’s recipe for success

“I work with people who have been in contact with the justice system. There are days where the life path of someone can be altered significantly. You can be there to enable a change for the better.”

Resources to plan your next steps

Visit our community services industry profile to find out about:

Explore growing industries in your region

Training and careers in your region

Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Training and careers in growing industries

Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of jobs you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Updated 7 January 2025

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