Welfare Support Workers provide support, information and advice to clients on emotional, financial, recreational, health, housing and other social welfare matters, and evaluate and coordinate the services of welfare and community service agencies.
You usually need a formal qualification in society and culture, behavioural science, human welfare, community service, or another related field to work as a Welfare Support Worker. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.
Tasks
• assessing clients' needs and planning, developing and implementing educational, training and support programs
• interviewing clients and assessing the nature and extent of difficulties
• monitoring and reporting on the progress of clients
• referring clients to agencies that can provide additional help
• assessing community need and resources for health, welfare, housing, employment, training and other facilities and services
• liaising with community groups, welfare agencies, government bodies and private businesses about community issues and promoting awareness of community resources and services
• supporting families and providing education and care for children and disabled persons in adult service units, group housing and government institutions
• supervising offenders on probation and parole
• assisting young people to solve social, emotional and financial problems
• preparing submissions for funding and resources, and reports to government bodies and other agencies