Family support worker job description

A family support worker provides professional support to help families assess and work through difficult situations. They work alongside welfare services and other professionals to offer emotional and mental health support to vulnerable families.

Tasks and responsibilities for a family support worker

A family support worker works with at-risk families through child protection, early childhood intervention, foster care, adoption, and family services.

A family support worker’s job description can include:

Providing support and advocacy to families in need
Providing emotional support to families
Conducting needs and risk assessments for families
Consulting with other professionals in a multi-disciplinary team
Managing and guiding clients finances, home management and budgets
Managing administration and accurate record-keeping
Visiting family homes
Providing mental health support

How to become a family support worker

Gaining a qualification is the best way to get into a role in family support, but what other steps can you take to make sure you are ready for your new job?

Study

Completing a certificate course through a recognised training provider in social or community services like a Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) or Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (CHC40313) means you have the fundamental skills needed to start your career. You could also choose to study a Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) or Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015).
Obtain a Working with Children Check and Police Check

When you start a new job that involves working with vulnerable individuals, you are generally required to pass a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check. Getting a Police Check requires a process of providing personal details and identification to request a full national Criminal History Background Check and report of the outcome.

Pathway options

A role as a family support worker puts you front and centre with vulnerable people from the community. Starting in the position can lead you to progress further in this field or into related jobs.

Some pathways could be:

Junior

Support worker

Most common qualification: Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015)
Volunteer coordinator

Most common qualification: Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015)
Youth support worker

Most common qualification: Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015)

Mid

Outreach worker

Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315)
Community development officer

Most common qualification: Diploma of Community Development (CHC52115)
Youth Worker

Most common qualification: Diploma of Youth Work (CHC50413)
Disabilities service officer

Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43115)
Child protection practitioner

Most common qualification: Diploma of Youth Work (CHC50413)

Senior

Community development manager

Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015)
Care manager

Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015)

Certificate III in Community Services

Study method In-class Online

A Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) can be a pathway to entry positions in community services settings. The course provides the skills needed to be the first point of contact for community members and assist immediate needs. Work at this level takes place under direct supervision from senior staff.

The average course duration is one year full-time, has blended learning formats, can be self-paced, and particular providers offer payment plans.

Certificate IV in Child, Youth & Family Intervention

Study method In-class Online

A Certificate IV in Child, Youth & Family Intervention (CHC40313) is the preferred option for those working in a role in youth and family intervention, including family support and early intervention to satisfy the Child Safety Framework.

Many course providers require applicants to complete and pass a Pre-training and Language Literacy and Numeracy Assessment, which they typically arrange for you.

The average duration for this course is one year. The course can be self-paced, a combination of in-class and online and has a work placement element.

An Australian government fee subsidy may be available to you.

Diploma of Counselling

Study method Online

A Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) provides skills in counselling to those who wish to work with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling techniques.

At this level, the counsellor works in a supporting role in an established agency rather than independently.

The average duration for this diploma is one year and can be online in a self-paced setting.

Diploma of Community Services

Study method In-class Online

A Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015) prepares learners for a role in community services, case management and social housing workers. These roles involve the direction and coordination of person-centred services and may have responsibilities in supervising others.

The average course duration is 18 months, can be completed online or in a blended format and can be self-paced. This course also requires work experience to be undertaken.

Government fee subsidies may be available to you.

Related subjects

Jobs in community services come in many forms, have strong future growth and always need enthusiastic and empathetic team players.

Some other subjects to explore:

Your new career in family support could be just around the corner. For more information on the sector, industry insights and guides on beginning your journey, dive into the below resources: