This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.
Explore all careersHow do I become a Welfare Worker?
Get qualified to work as a Welfare Worker with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Welfare Worker
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Welfare Worker generally earns $1,590 per week ($82,680 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience can you expect a higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
Opportunities for Welfare Workers in Australia are expected to grow strongly over the next 5 years as more than 30,000 jobs open up around the country. Welfare Workers are mainly employed by healthcare and community service organisations.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
To get started as a Welfare Worker you’ll need a VET qualification (or university studies) in social welfare and community service. Entry level qualifications include: Certificate IV in Mental Health, Certificate IV in Youth Work, Certificate IV Drug and Alcohol, Certificate IV in Community Services. These take 12-18 months to complete. Welfare Workers also require a national police check, a current first aid certificate, and working with children clearance.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
7 reasons to start a career in community services
15th June 2018
How to start a career in Social Work
18th May 2021All welfare worker courses
- CHC50321 Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention
- CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
- 22660VIC Course in Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Risk
- CHC33021 & CHC43121 & CHC52021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) & Certificate IV in Disability Support & Diploma of Community Services
- CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services
- CHC41308 Certificate IV in Children's Contact Services Work
- CHC50313 Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention
- CHC42512 Certificate IV in Community Services (Information, advice and referral)
- CHC42212 Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills
- 22510VIC Course in Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Risk
- CHC40708 Certificate IV in Community Services Work
- Bachelor of Health and Community Services
- CHCCOM006 Establish and Manage Client Relationships
- CHC40412 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
- CHC42312 Certificate IV in Mediation
- CHC50413 Diploma of Youth Work
- Bachelor of Psychological Studies
- CHC42412 Certificate IV in Relationship Education
- CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
- CHC41012 Certificate IV in Community Services Advocacy
Welfare Worker careers
Welfare Workers help marginalised, isolated and disadvantaged people access social welfare services and community support. Your daily job involves working one-on-one with clients, liaising with case managers and doing the associated paperwork.
As a Welfare Worker you’ll be interviewing clients and assessing their difficulties, then referring them to the appropriate government agencies and welfare services such as housing, social security, education and healthcare. You could specialise in child welfare, youth services, ageing, disability, or mental health.
