There is always a need for case workers in the community services industry to help people who are troubled, vulnerable or living with a disability. Without caseworkers, disadvantaged people wouldn’t always have access to the essential services they need to get back on their feet such as counselling, financial assistance, housing assistance etc. A caseworker provides an essential service to the community, supporting those in need. This can be to assist family members needing support, community members experiencing domestic violence, needing housing services, disability support, vulnerable children, job seekers etc.
What does a Caseworker Do?
A caseworker helps disadvantaged individuals and helps to improve their life. This can be a wide range of people (normally adults, young people or families experiencing a crisis) by helping them to access care and support services. The caseworker ensures that people who need help can get the care and support they deserve. They help people find the motivation to make healthy lifestyle changes, and achieve their goals in difficult times. These can be financial, social, or emotional. A caseworker can also be required to help someone with necessities such as housing, food, shelter etc.
Common Caseworker Responsibilities and Tasks
- Assessing individuals situations and providing the relevant support they may need
- Keeping up to date and monitoring a clients progress, sometimes through regular home visits
- Providing support and counsel to people in need
- Referring clients on to other agencies where required
- Provide a safe environment for vulnerable or at risk people and reporting abuse
What skills do I need to become a Caseworker?
- Socially perceptive: the ability to assess one’s situation and identify potential unspoken needs or risks. For example identifying unsafe living situations, signs of mental illness etc.
- Coordination skills: ability to make responsible arrangements for individuals through other agencies by means of organised communication
- Seeing the good in people and understanding there is a reason for behaviour
- Good active listener
- Empathy: the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes
What are the types of organisations a Caseworker Works At?
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Public Administration and Safety
- Education and Training
How much does a Caseworker Earn?
Average Salary:
$71k
Weekly earnings:
$1,374
Industry Snapshot
Industries a Caseworker works in:
Most caseworkers work in Health Care and Social Assistance; Public Administration and Safety; and Education and Training
Average Education Level:
Tertiary qualifications such as a Bachelor Degree or Advanced Diploma/Diploma
Projected Job Growth in 5 Years:
There are currently 36,100 worker’s in this industry. This is expected to grow to 44,400 by 2025
Average Age:
42
Gender Breakdown:
78% of workers are female
How to become a Caseworker
Generally, you require a formal qualification to be employed as a Caseworker. Common qualifications include:
· Certificate IV in Community Services
· Diploma of Community Service or Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
· Bachelor’s Degree
If you’d like to have an advanced understanding of how to help people and work as a professional support person, you can study the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) with TrainSmart Australia. At TrainSmart Australia we’re passionate about producing quality health and community service professionals, giving our students the confidence and skills to build a fulfilling and prosperous career. We’re a leading provider of nationally recognized training and education, conveniently located in the Perth CBD. We ensure all our students are properly trained and prepared to enter the workforce as exceptional workers. Begin your journey to a new career in case management now and enrol today!
