


Child Protection Worker
Family Support Worker
Welfare Centre Manager
Welfare Worker
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or Working with these Jobs
  
Social workers help people to deal with personal and social problems,
either directly or by planning or carrying out programs that benefit groups
or communities. Social workers provide information,
counselling and support to people experiencing personal and social problems.
They provide support services, such as counselling, facilitation of support
groups and administering education programs, to clients experiencing a
diverse range of difficulties. Social workers also help their clients and
clients' families with practical issues, such as accessing income support,
travel and accommodation subsidies and finding emergency accommodation. They
may offer support to clients with a disability or chronic illness, victims
of violent and/or sexual crimes, people who have attempted suicide or self
harm, homeless people, drug addicts and many others experiencing a personal
crisis.
ANZSCO
ID & description:
2725:
Assesses the social needs of individuals, families and groups,
assists and empowers people to develop and use the skills and resources
needed to resolve social and other problems, and furthers human wellbeing
and human rights, social justice and social development. Registration or
licensing may be required.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A social worker needs:
-
a caring and compassionate
nature
- a high level of organisational
and communication skills
- the ability to relate to
people from a wide range of backgrounds
- the ability to work both
independently and as part of a team
- the ability to assess their
clients' difficulties objectively

Duties and Tasks
Social workers may perform the following tasks:
-
counsel individuals through a crisis that may be
due to death, illness, relationship breakdown or other reasons
-
provide clients with information on services to
assist them
-
provide letters of referral or reports that will
help clients to obtain other services such as crisis accommodation or social
security benefits
-
guide small groups of people to share their
experiences, support each other and learn social skills
-
help community groups to plan and carry out
programs to help themselves (e.g. assisting newly arrived immigrants to form
an association)
-
research community problems, needs and solutions
through client contact and records of welfare and health agencies
-
analyse statistics and write reports
-
develop policy and evaluate programs
-
manage and train staff
-
attend professional meetings
-
lobby to change social welfare policies and
procedures in the pursuit of social justice for all members of the
community.
Specialisations
Social workers specialise in fields such as
* family
* youth and child welfare services
* medical and health services
* disability services
* psychiatric and general mental health
services
* juvenile and family law courts
* aged care and disabilities
* income support and
* mediation.
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Working conditions
Some social workers travel to visit clients or run group meetings. In
country areas they may travel long distances. They may also be involved in
private practice, research or teaching. Social
workers work in a variety of environments including schools, hospitals, aged
care facilities, government agencies, courts and in private practice. They
may also conduct home visits or run group support sessions in halls,
churches or other community facilities. The majority of social workers in
Australia are based in the metropolitan regions,
however, there are employment opportunities for social workers throughout
the regional areas as well.
Tools and technologies
Social workers use standard office equipment, including computers, faxes and
photocopiers. Depending on their area of specialisation they may also use
counselling aides, such as children's toys, psychological tests and art
supplies. Many social workers also need a drivers licence so that they are
able to visit clients at home.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become a social worker you usually need to complete a degree majoring in
social work.
Most universities in Australia offer relevant courses. To work with children
in Australia, you must obtain a Working with Children Check issued by the
Working with Children Screening Unit of the Department of Community Services.


   
A family support worker is assigned to at-risk clients through
governmental or social service agencies. They assess the needs of the
family, help resolve issues and promote wellbeing, human rights and
social justice. They may offer counselling and mediation services,
identify appropriate social services and help families navigate the
protocols of the social system.

Family support workers give assistance to families facing social
problems and act as a liaison between them and different government
organisations. Family support workers are social
service agents who work in a variety of capacities in assisting at-risk
citizens. This may include offering counseling and mediation services,
helping identify and access appropriate social services and helping
families get back on their feet following periods of unemployment,
emotional, mental or physical crisis or financial distress. The position
requires tact, diplomacy, good communication and problem-solving skills
and the ability to interface with a wide range of personality types.
Family support workers provide emotional and
practical assistance and guidance to children and families in need. They
work in settings such as foster care or adoption agencies, child
protective services agencies or family services organisations. Most
family support workers focus on providing social services and assisting
with the promotion of physical well-being and mental health.
ANZSCO ID: 411713
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To become a family support worker, you would need:
-
the ability to take initiative and work independently
-
good interpersonal and communication skills
- the ability to build rapport with children and adults
- leadership qualities
- a non-judgmental attitude and respect for individuals' differences
- the ability to plan and organise
- to maintain confidentiality in your dealings with clients
- a caring personality with a strong sense of social justice and empathy
- a thorough understanding of services offered and systems to follow
- strong organisation skills and attention to detail to prepare reports,
manage caseloads and follow-up appointments
- excellent oral and written communications skills to interact with a wide
range of individuals
- good problem solving skills, tact and diplomacy

(Source:
Seek)
Duties and Tasks
As a family support worker, you would:
-
meet with individuals or families referred by social workers or medical
professionals
- determine the type of emotional support and help needed
- discuss and plan the practical aspects of the assistance with the
individual or family
- deliver the assistance, or work with other professionals as necessary
- provide necessary support to help children stay with their families if
possible
- keep accurate and up to date client records.
A family support worker is typically assigned to clients by governmental
and social services agencies. The role involves establishing a
relationship with individual families, assessing their needs, their
eligibility for various types of public aid, and walking them through
the application processes. Family support workers help clients
understand the rules and regulations attached to various forms of social
services support and aid, and assists them in navigating what can be
complex financial and personal documentation of assets, income and
expenses. Other responsibilities of the job include helping families
ensure they are getting the benefits they are entitled to and making
recommendations for things like job training and accessing various
community resources.
Examples of skills you may help individuals or families to develop would
include:
-
caring skills
-
teaching children how to learn through play
-
dealing with behaviour difficulties
-
managing finances and household budgets.
Working conditions
You would usually work a standard hours number of hours. Part-time and
flexible work arrangements should be readily available. You may need to
be available out of hours if you are working with a family that has
school age children.
You would typically meet and work with families in their own homes, but
would be based in an office with other colleagues. You might also work
in early childcare education centres. Family support
workers usually work for government organisations, or for private
companies contracted by the government to provide these services.
A drivers’ licence may be needed for some jobs.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become a family support worker you usually need tertiary
qualifications in social welfare, health or allied areas. A diploma is
usually the minimum requirement, but employers often require a
bachelor’s degree. To get into these courses you usually need to gain
your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent.
If you are working with children, you would be required to complete the
equivalent of a Working with Children check. A National Police
Certificate may also be required.
Family support workers are typically required to have a bachelor's
degree in social work or a related field. Social workers and clinical
social workers are generally required to hold a master's degree, have
clinical experience, and be licensed by the state in which they work.
Specialized training related to interpersonal communication and
financial planning are also an asset. Individuals who are bilingual may
have an advantage when applying for positions in areas with a diverse
population base. Job-seekers with advanced training or education often
have the opportunity to advance into supervisory or managerial
positions.
Opportunities
Growth is expected as the population grows, and families seek assistance
for an increasing number of issues, including accessing government
services. Growth may be tempered, however, but the amount of government
funding available for family support services.


  
Welfare Centre Managers manage centres, programs or projects concerned
with social welfare support. Welfare centre managers devise, plan, organise and run programs that
help members of the community to live fulfilling lives. They liaise with
community and social workers to determine what services are required by
specific sections of the community. These may include services such as
healthcare, housing, employment, education and training, and culture and
recreation. Welfare project managers devise and establish projects that
provide these
services, liaise with business and local government to garner financial
and community support for these projects, assist with budgeting, and
report on progress. Welfare project managers work all over
Australia,
assisting communities everywhere to realise their goals.
ANZSCO ID: 134214
Alternative names:
Welfare Project Manager
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- to have respect for the rights and views of
a wide range of individuals
- an interest in
community and social issues
- self-motivation and the ability to work
independently
- project management and time management skills
- budgeting and financial management skills
- to enjoy assisting people
- good interpersonal and communication skills
- the ability to take initiative and work
independently
- the ability to build rapport with children and
adults
- leadership qualities
- a non-judgmental attitude and respect for
individuals' differences
- the ability to plan and organise
- to maintain confidentiality in your dealings with
clients
- a caring personality with a strong sense of
social justice and empathy
- a thorough understanding of services offered and
systems to follow
- strong organisation skills and attention to
detail to prepare reports, manage caseloads and follow-up
appointments
- excellent oral and written communications skills
to interact with a wide range of individuals
- good problem solving skills, tact and diplomacy

Source: UWA
Duties and Tasks
- Provides overall direction
and management for the service, facility, organisation or centre.
- Co-ordinates and administers
health and welfare programmes and clinical services.
- Monitors and evaluates
resources devoted to health, welfare, recreation, housing,
employment, training and other community facilities and centres.
- Controls administrative
operations such as budget planning, report preparation, expenditure
on supplies, equipment and services.
- Liaises with other health and
welfare providers, boards and funding bodies to discuss areas of
health and welfare service co-operation and co-ordination.
- Represents the organisation
in negotiations, conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums.
- Controls selection, training
and supervision of staff.
Working conditions
Welfare centre managers mostly work in the offices of government
departments or community welfare organisations. They spend most of their
time in the office, but may travel to visit welfare centres, schools,
hospitals or other community organisations. They usually work regular
business hours but may be required to work longer hours to meet project
deadlines. They may also need to be able to provide training, present
workshops and other presentations, and attend meetings. Project managers
can also expect to work under pressure.
Tools and technologies
Welfare centre managers use computers and other office equipment,
particularly project and data management software and other online
planning tools. They may also use project management software to assist
in planning and managing the various aspects of the project or projects
they are working on. They may also need access to a vehicle to visit
particular groups or individuals in the community.
Education and training/entrance requirements
Previous relevant experience and a formal qualification in business
management, social work, community development or another related field
is generally needed to work as a Welfare Centre Manager. VET (Vocational
Education and Training) and university are both common study pathways
for Welfare Centre Managers.
To become a welfare centre manager you usually need to study a degree in
community services, community development, welfare, human services or
social work.
The Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management is offered at
registered training organisations throughout Australia.
Most universities in Australia offer relevant courses.
Most employers will also require those working in management roles to
have experience using leadership skills in a related industry or
occupation. Many welfare centre managers will have worked for a number
of years in welfare work before progressing to a managerial role.
Required registration and licensing: If working with children in this occupation in Australia, you
must obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) from the Department of
Communities.


  
Welfare workers work with individuals, families, groups and communities
to improve quality of life by empowering, educating and supporting
people and by helping them to change their social environment.
Welfare workers deal with situations which may involve emotional,
social and financial difficulties.

Some specialise in helping families, adolescents, people with substance
abuse issues, homeless people, people with disability, people escaping
domestic violence, victims of crime or criminals.
Welfare, Recreation, and Community Arts Workers assist individuals and
families with financial, emotional, or social difficulties in a variety of
ways. They may assess current living situations and environments and offer
advice on ways to improve those situations. They also work to secure food,
housing, and other social benefits and help with access to job training and
education. Welfare workers work with individuals, families and groups with
difficulties to improve their quality of life by empowering, educating and
supporting them to help them work towards positive change in their lives.
Welfare Support Workers provide support, information and advice to clients
on emotional, financial, recreational, health, housing and other social
welfare matters, and evaluate and coordinate the services of welfare and
community service agencies.
Welfare workers may assist individuals or groups with social, emotional or
financial difficulties. They may support and help clients access
professional services for issues such as unemployment, marital problems,
homelessness, illness or drug abuse. They may also provide intensive
short-term crisis counselling for victims of domestic abuse, disasters and
other crises.
ANZSCO ID: 272613
Alternative names: Welfare Case Worker, Welfare Support
Worker, Welfare, Recreation, and Community Arts Worker
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people
- tolerance and an open mind
- good planning and organisational skills
- able to take initiative
- sense of responsibility
- able to deal with conflict in stressful situations
- ability to perceive when
others are in need of help
- empathy
- oral and written
communications skills
- positive and nonjudgmental
attitude
- use of logic and reasoning
to resolve complex problems
- commitment to human rights and social justice
Duties and Tasks
Welfare workers may perform the following tasks:
- provide support and assistance to clients who experience
difficulties such as marital problems, unemployment, illness or
drug abuse
- assisting with information
on counselling, housing services, food access, etc
- improving care and programs
available for community members
- interviewing individuals
and families to determine specific needs
- publishing reports on the
efficiency and quality of community services
- setting up plans of action
to ensure better qualities of life
- working with victims of
abuse by providing counselling, care, and financial assistance
- assessing clients' needs and planning, developing and
implementing educational, training and support programs
- interviewing clients and assessing the nature and
extent of difficulties
- monitoring and reporting on the progress of clients
- referring clients to agencies that can provide
additional help
- assessing community need and resources for health,
welfare, housing, employment, training and other facilities and services
- liaising with community groups, welfare agencies,
government bodies and private businesses about community issues and
promoting awareness of community resources and services
- supporting families and providing education and care
for children and disabled persons in adult service units, group housing
and government institutions
- supervising offenders on probation and parole
- assisting young people to solve social, emotional and
financial problems
- preparing submissions for funding and resources, and
reports to government bodies and other agenciesarrange for clients to be referred to appropriate
specialists or community agencies
- help clients with long-term problems to bring about
self-directed change in their lives
- assess risks and provide intensive short-term crisis
counselling for victims of domestic violence or child abuse
- help to establish or administer neighbourhood houses or
community groups
- evaluate data and write reports, including submissions
requesting funding for continuing programmes and new projects
- act on behalf of clients who have a complaint against an
organisation or government department
- arrange and evaluate support services, such as Meals on
Wheels delivery to elderly people living alone
- recruit, train and coordinate volunteer staff
- assist community groups to identify and implement strategies
to deal with local issues

(Source:
YourCareer)
Working conditions
Welfare workers can work individually or as part of a team.
They may work in an office, visit clients in their homes and
attend evening community meetings.
Welfare workers are employed by state, territory and federal
government departments, local councils, hospitals, health centres,
unions, industry, non-government organisations, and community
groups. Increasing numbers are self-employed in private practice or
as consultants. They may work in offices, in short-term or long-term
accommodation services, or in refuges.
Welfare workers may be employed as fieldworkers, project officers,
programme coordinators, community health workers, student or staff
counsellors, or human services workers. Some welfare workers are
employed in supervisory, administrative or policy-making roles.
Depending on
the organisation that they work for and the nature of their work, they may
have to work shiftwork, including weekends and public holidays.
Demand for this occupation is largely influenced by government
funding in the social welfare field.
Tools and technologies
Welfare workers use computers and other office equipment to maintain and
update their clients’ progress. They may also use computers to write
reports and secure funding, and manage budgets or financial plans.
They may require a driver’s licence to travel to clients’ homes or
within the community, and attend evening community meetings.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become a welfare worker you usually have to complete a VOC
qualification in community services work or community services advocacy.
As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should
contact your chosen institution for further information.
Entry to this occupation may be improved if you complete a degree
specialising in human services, community welfare, community development
or a related discipline. To get into these courses you usually need to
gain your HSC/ACT Year 12 with English. The
Certificate IV in Community Services Work and the Diploma of Community
Services Work are offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training
organisations throughout Australia. You can also undertake a traineeship.
The community services work (level 4) traineeship usually takes 24 months to
complete.
You usually need a formal qualification in society and culture, behavioural
science, human welfare, community service, or another related field to work
as a Welfare Support Worker. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and
university are both common study pathways.
A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with
an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally
recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical
skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training
with a registered training provider.
You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver,
re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to
change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while
you're still at school.
If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your
school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now
through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an
apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.
Additional Information
To become a member of the
Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) you need to complete an approved degree or 2-year
diploma in community services work, human services community
welfare, community development or a similar discipline that is
approved by ACWA. Contact the association for further information
and a current list of approved courses.
To work with children or vulnerable people in NSW, you must obtain a
Working with Children Check from the Office of the Children's
Guardian. To work with children in the ACT, you need to obtain a
Working with Vulnerable People Check from the ACT Office of
Regulatory Services. A National Police Certificate may also be
required.
Related Jobs or
Working with these Jobs
Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Child
Protection Worker;
Social Worker;
Welfare Worker;
Welfare Centre Manager;];
WebArchive Only - CareerHQ [Family Support Worker; ] Good Universities Guide [Social
Worker Image;] Upskilled [Family
Support Worker; ] Chron.Work [Family
Support Workers; ] CareersOnline [Welfare
Worker; ]
Open Universities [Welfare,
Recreation & Community Arts Worker; ]
Your Career [Social
Worker;
Welfare Centre Manager;
Welfare Support Worker;
]








































































































































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