Welfare Support Workers (ANZSCO 4117) provide support, information, and advice to clients on various social welfare matters such as emotional, financial, recreational, health, and housing issues. They also evaluate and coordinate the services offered by welfare and community service agencies.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations within the Welfare Support Workers unit group require a level of skill commensurate with the following qualifications and experience:

In Australia:

• AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In some cases, at least three years of relevant experience can substitute for the formal qualifications mentioned above. Additionally, certain occupations may require on-the-job training and/or relevant experience in addition to formal qualifications.

Tasks Include:

• Assessing clients' needs and developing educational, training, and support programs
• Conducting interviews to assess the nature and extent of difficulties faced by clients
• Monitoring and reporting on clients' progress
• Referring clients to agencies that can provide additional help
• Assessing community needs and available resources for health, welfare, housing, employment, training, and other facilities and services
• Liaising with community groups, welfare agencies, government bodies, and private businesses to address community issues and promote awareness of resources and services
• Supporting families and providing education and care for children and disabled individuals in adult service units, group housing, and government institutions
• Supervising offenders on probation and parole
• Assisting young people in solving social, emotional, and financial problems
• Preparing submissions for funding and resources, as well as reports to government bodies and other agencies

Occupations:

• 411711 Community Worker
• 411712 Disabilities Services Officer
• 411713 Family Support Worker
• 411714 Parole or Probation Officer
• 411715 Residential Care Officer
• 411716 Youth Worker

411711 Community Worker

A Community Worker facilitates community development initiatives and collective solutions within a community to address issues, needs, and problems related to recreational, health, housing, employment, and other welfare matters.

Skill Level: 2

Specialisations:

• Community Development Officer
• Community Support Worker
• Housing Officer

411712 Disabilities Services Officer

A Disabilities Services Officer works in service units that provide education and community access to individuals with intellectual, physical, social, and emotional disabilities.

Skill Level: 2

411713 Family Support Worker

A Family Support Worker assists Social Workers and Welfare Workers by providing services and support to families.

Skill Level: 2

411714 Parole or Probation Officer

A Parole or Probation Officer supervises offenders who have been placed on probation by court order or conditionally released from corrective service institutions.

Skill Level: 2

411715 Residential Care Officer

A Residential Care Officer provides care and supervision for children or disabled individuals in group housing or institutional care.

Skill Level: 2

411716 Youth Worker

Alternative Titles:

• Youth Officer
• Youth Support Worker

A Youth Worker assists young people, either individually or in groups, in solving social, emotional, and financial problems within an agency framework.

Skill Level: 2

Specialisations:

• Juvenile Justice Officer
• Youth Accommodation Support Worker
• Youth Liaison Officer