5 inspiring reasons to pursue a community services career

April 08, 2024

You could support people living with disability, advocate for those suffering a health crisis, or assist those experiencing family violence. Find out why a career in community services can be rewarding and varied. 

What is community services work? 

Community services work covers a wide range of activities and services. As a community services worker, you’ll advocate for those who require additional support to navigate everyday life or to manage during times of uncertainty and stress. 

There are specialty areas within the community services sector. Depending on your area of interest, you can choose a course that gives you knowledge in: 

• Community health
  Community health workers develop specialised health programs in non-clinical settings for diverse groups.

• Social work
  Social workers support people and families experiencing numerous challenges, including health issues, homelessness, drug or alcohol addiction, and domestic violence. 

• Aged care
  People working in aged care help older individuals navigate their everyday lives in care homes and private residential settings. 

• Disability care
  People working in disability care support individuals with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities. 

Whether you choose to specialise in any particular area could come down to factors like your previous work experience or qualifications, so it’s a good idea to book a call with an Open Universities Australia student advisor to discuss your options. 

Why you should consider a career in community services

A community services career can be deeply rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to work with vulnerable people and make a tangible, positive difference in their lives. 

Here are some of the most notable benefits. 

1. Contribute to a more equal society 

Whether you work with older people, assist people in accessing essential services, or support Australia’s multicultural communities, your work will contribute to a more equal society. 

Many people need help to effectively advocate for themselves. As a community services worker, you’ll assist these individuals in accessing life’s essentials, including healthcare, housing, mental health support and financial aid. 

2. Access consistent job opportunities 

If you’re looking for a career in high demand, community services is it. People with skills in community services are highly sought after. This sector saw growth of 4.7% between late 2022 and late 2023. As Australia’s population ages, demand for aged care workers in particular will increase.  

3. Choose between urban or rural roles 

Not sure if you want to live in the hustle and bustle of the city? No problem. Community services workers are in demand all around the country. While different areas will have different needs, your skills will allow you to develop programs and plans wherever you choose, from the heart of the city to Australia’s most remote settings. 

4. Engage in fulfilling work 

There’s nothing quite like feeling that you’ve made a genuinely positive and sustainable difference in someone’s life. Community services work comes with its own challenges, but at the end of the day, your effort helps others, and you’ll grow into a more empathetic person as a result of your experiences.  

5. Enjoy flexible working conditions

Once you’ve broken into the community services workforce, you may be able to move between areas that interest you, depending on your skill set. So, whether you feel that working with multicultural communities is your calling or you prefer to engage with disadvantaged youth, you’re sure to find an area that you find interesting and inspiring. 

Additionally, many community services operate around the clock, so it may be possible to work hours that fit with your schedule. 

 
Is community services work right for you? 

For a successful and rewarding career in community services, you should be able to form caring relationships, be compassionate and enjoy empowering others. 

Aside from the specialised skills you’ll learn while studying, you’ll also need excellent interpersonal, time management, and organisational skills. 

Which community services course should you study?

Through Open Universities Australia, you can choose from a variety of courses specialising in community services work.  

To develop core skills for the sector…
Consider a general course like a Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing or a Bachelor of Community Services. 

If you’ve decided that aged care is your calling… 
A Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services could be a great fit. 

To get qualified as a social worker…
A Bachelor of Social Work might be right for you. 

For the creatively inclined… 
A course bringing together your love of arts and community services work, like a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Community Wellbeing, lets you major in theatre, visual arts or music. 

Consider your options and book a call with one of our Open Universities Australia student advisors. They can help you compare community services courses and decide what's most suitable for your career goals.