How to Become a Family Support Worker: Australian Careers in Youth Work

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CHC43215

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

For all support workers and care staff, or those aspiring to become one, this course will equip you with specialised knowledge in dealing with alcohol and other drug-related problems. Study the online CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs offered by Open Colleges in association with Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (RTO: 90197), and gain the transferable skills to work across a range of community services settings, including the mental health and youth work sectors.

Learn how to provide case management services, withdrawing and intervention activities and deal with mental health issues. With a focus on outreach work and community work, this course will teach you the skills to deal with clients facing drug-related health issues who are attempting to get their lives back on track.

Gain practical skills

This certificate includes a mandatory work placement of at least 120 hours, in order to acquire essential practical skills. You will be required to source your own placement with an organisation involved in the delivery of alcohol and other drug-related community services.

The Certificate IV will be issued by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd.

PLEASE NOTE – Open Colleges is a privately-run RTO, not government-run like a TAFE, so they cannot offer government funding. Please check eligibility requirements before beginning an enrollment with Open Colleges.

Online, Workplace

Online

Case Worker, Community Support Worker, Detoxification Worker, Drug and Alcohol Worker, Family Support Worker, Outreach Worker, Support Worker

Price may vary

Max 18 months

CHC53215

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

If you are a community minded person who is looking to commence a rewarding career based on helping others overcome obstacles caused by alcohol and drug addiction, then this CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs qualification from Hader Institute of Education could be ideal for you.

This course is designed to give you all the contemporary skills and knowledge to confidently engage in community support and counseling roles aimed at supporting people in overcoming problems arising from drug and alcohol abuse. You will gain crucial skills such as how to assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues, how to develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans, how to establish and manage client relationships and work with diverse people and how to work effectively in trauma informed care.

Our online blended delivery model is based on three online classroom sessions per week as well as 22 hours per week of structured self-paced study, as well as monthly one-on-one tutoring session, that will see you graduate in as little as 12 months.

Please note: This course is fee-for-service, it is not government funded.

Online

Case Manager, Case Worker, Community Care Worker, Community Health Worker, Community Services Case Manager, Community Support Worker, Community Worker, Drug and Alcohol Counsellor, Family Support Worker, Rehabilitation Counsellor, Welfare Support Worker

Price may vary

12 months

CHC52021

Diploma of Community Services

If you are looking to turn your desire to build better communities by helping others into a rewarding career, then this CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services qualification from Hader Institute of Education could be a great qualification for you. The Australian Government is putting more resources into the community services sector and the number of professionals required to work in this field is expected to increase threefold over the next decade, so now is the perfect time to become a qualified community services professional.

This course is designed to give you all the necessary knowledge in fields such as community services, case management and social housing, and on completion you will be able to undertake a variety of community support based roles. You will learn essential skills such as how to analyse impact of sociological factors on clients in community work and services, how to establish and confirm the counselling relationship, how to facilitate the counselling relationship and process and how to provide case management supervision.

This 100% online course consists of three hours per week of online classroom sessions, 22 hours per week of structured self-paced study and seven one-on-one online skills development and practice sessions and will see you ready to commence your first role in community services within 12 months. All learners will be required to complete a total of 100 hours of practical work placement as part of their studies. You’ll be placed in an organisation relevant to your field of study.

Please note: This course is fee-for-service, it is not government funded.

Online, Workplace

Online

Case Manager, Case Worker, Community Care Worker, Community Development Youth Worker, Community Services Case Manager, Community Services Manager, Community Support Worker, Community Wellness Officer, Family Support Worker, Housing Officer, Indigenous Community Liaison Officer, Indigenous Youth Worker

Price may vary

18 months

CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (WA only)

If you have a passion for compassionate care and aspire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities, then the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) offered by Insight Training is an ideal pathway for you.

In Australia, where the demand for skilled Disability Support professionals is increasing due to demographic shifts, this qualification emerges as a timely opportunity for those seeking a fulfilling and stable career. This course equips you with essential skills, including effective communication in health or community services, empowerment of people with disabilities, mental health issues and chronic disease. Upon completion, you will be thoroughly prepared and certified to excel in various individual and community support roles within the Disability sector.

The program includes a vital 120-hour practical work component in an approved service facility, offering you a chance to apply your skills in a real-world setting and gain invaluable industry experience. Insight Training supports students in securing suitable placements for this segment.

You have the flexibility to choose between in-classroom learning at Insight Training’s campuses or a do blended study. Both options incorporate the essential practical work experience component, ensuring a comprehensive learning journey.

This CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is available in Perth and regional WA. It is government-funded through the Jobs and Skills WA program, which applies to eligible WA residents, and is also covered by the WA Government and Commonwealth’s “Free in ’23 – extended into ’24” program, where students who qualify can enrol in eligible courses at no cost. Enquire today to see if you qualify!

This course uses the following delivery methods, please take this into account when assessing course suitability:

On Campus / Classroom – you will need to attend daytime classes at one of Insight Training’s campuses at Morley, Rockingham or Joondalup in order to complete this course. This study mode is government funded.

After achieving this qualification, students may undertake the CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability.

Please Note: This course is NOT available to people on a 500 or 600 visa.

Blended, Classroom, On Campus, Workplace

Accommodation Support Worker, Care Assistant, Care Service Employee, Care Worker, Community Care Worker, Disability Service Worker, Family Support Worker, Home Care Assistant, Residential Care Worker, Residential Support Worker, Senior Personal Care Assistant

Price may vary

Flexible to suit your needs

On this page

What is a Family Support Worker?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Family Support Worker?

The role of a Family Support Worker is both rewarding and impactful, focusing on enhancing the well-being of families in need. These dedicated professionals work closely with families to assess their unique challenges and provide tailored support. By collaborating with social workers and welfare agencies, Family Support Workers play a crucial role in fostering positive family dynamics and ensuring that families have access to the resources they require to thrive.

Family Support Workers are responsible for a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall health and stability of families. They conduct interviews to understand the specific needs of clients, develop and implement educational and support programs, and monitor the progress of families over time. This hands-on approach allows them to create meaningful connections with families, guiding them through challenges and celebrating their successes. Their work often involves referring clients to additional services, ensuring that families receive comprehensive support tailored to their circumstances.

In this dynamic career, Family Support Workers engage in a range of activities that keep their days varied and fulfilling. They may facilitate workshops, provide in-home support, or coordinate with other professionals to create a network of assistance for families. The role requires strong communication skills, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others, making it an ideal fit for those passionate about community service and social welfare.

Ultimately, a career as a Family Support Worker offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of families. By providing essential support and guidance, these professionals help to empower families, fostering resilience and promoting positive change within the community. For those looking to embark on a meaningful career path, becoming a Family Support Worker is a fulfilling choice that combines compassion with practical assistance.

Career snapshots For Family Support Workers

Family Support Workers play a crucial role in assisting families by providing support and services that enhance their well-being. This profession is predominantly female, with a significant portion of the workforce being women. The role involves working closely with social workers and welfare workers to assess client needs and implement support programs.

Average Age: 42 years
Gender Distribution: 87% female
Hours Worked: Average full-time hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with 51% of workers employed full-time.
Pay: Typical salary is around $80,000 per year.
Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate for this role is not specified, but the demand for family support services remains steady.
Employment Numbers: Approximately 4,100 people are currently employed as Family Support Workers in Australia.
Projected Growth: The annual employment growth rate is not explicitly stated, but the demand for family support services is expected to continue.

Family Support Workers are essential in various sectors, including health care, social assistance, and public administration. Their work is vital in addressing the needs of families facing challenges, making this a rewarding career for those passionate about community service.

What will I do?

Family Support Workers play a vital role in assisting families facing various challenges by providing essential support and resources. They work closely with clients to assess their needs, develop tailored programs, and connect them with additional services. This profession requires a compassionate approach and strong communication skills, as Family Support Workers strive to empower families and enhance their overall well-being.

Assessing clients’ needs – Conducting interviews and evaluations to understand the specific challenges faced by families.
Developing support programs – Creating and implementing educational and training programs tailored to the needs of clients.
Monitoring client progress – Regularly checking in with clients to track their development and adjust support plans as necessary.
Referring clients to additional services – Connecting families with external agencies and resources that can provide further assistance.
Providing emotional support – Offering guidance and encouragement to families during difficult times.
Collaborating with other professionals – Working alongside social workers, educators, and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive support for families.
Documenting case notes – Keeping accurate records of client interactions and progress for reporting and evaluation purposes.
Participating in training and professional development – Engaging in ongoing education to stay updated on best practices and new resources in family support.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Family Support Worker requires a diverse set of skills to effectively assist families in need. Key competencies include strong communication skills, which are essential for interviewing clients and understanding their unique challenges. Empathy and active listening are crucial traits, enabling workers to build trust and rapport with families, fostering a supportive environment. Additionally, problem-solving skills are vital for assessing clients’ needs and developing tailored support plans that address their specific circumstances.

Moreover, Family Support Workers must possess organisational skills to manage multiple cases and maintain accurate records of client progress. Knowledge of community resources and referral processes is also important, as it allows workers to connect families with additional support services. Finally, a background in social work or community services, along with relevant qualifications, enhances a worker’s ability to navigate the complexities of family dynamics and provide effective assistance.

Skills/attributes

Empathy and compassion
Strong communication skills
Problem-solving abilities
Organisational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Understanding of family dynamics
Knowledge of community resources and services
Assessment and evaluation skills
Conflict resolution skills
Patience and resilience
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Cultural awareness and sensitivity
Flexibility and adaptability
Basic counselling skills
Report writing and documentation skills

Resources

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VIC

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TAS

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How to Become a Family Support Worker: Australian Careers in Youth Work

Gain practical skills

What is a Family Support Worker?

Career snapshots For Family Support Workers

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Skills/attributes

Resources

Career Outcomes