If you enjoy helping others and want a career where you can make a meaningful impact, you may be wondering what jobs you can get with a diploma of community services. This blog is designed for students seeking clarity before choosing a study pathway and who are interested in working in community services as a stable and purpose-driven profession.
A diploma of community services can lead to a fulfilling career where you genuinely make a real difference while supporting people in the community.
Australia’s Health Care and Social Assistance sector is growing faster than almost any other industry, and the demand isn’t slowing down. Government labour market data shows the sector’s share of total employment is expected to rise from 15.2% in 2023 to around 16.7% by 2033, driven by increasing needs in aged care, disability support, and community services.
For those who are passionate about helping others, this growth creates real and lasting career opportunities. A Diploma of Community Services can help you build the practical skills employers are looking for and open doors to a wide range of meaningful roles in this expanding sector.
What Is a Diploma of Community Services?
A Diploma of Community Services is a nationally recognised qualification for those interested in working in community services and providing direct support to individuals and families. The CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services helps students develop the skills needed for ethical practice, case management, crisis response, and community development, while delivering person-centred services to individuals across a broad range of settings.
Through practical training and placements, students build skills and knowledge in managing support systems and responding to domestic and family violence, child protection, and mental health challenges. With strong demand across services in Australia, diploma of community services jobs are available in community organisations, nonprofit organisations, and government agencies, making this a future-focused career pathway.
Common Job Roles After Completing a Diploma of Community Services
One of the biggest strengths of this qualification is the variety of roles it leads to. Below are some of the most common and in-demand diploma of community services job outcomes.
1. Case Manager / Case Worker
A case manager or case worker works closely with individuals and families to assess needs, develop plans, and coordinate access to housing, education, and health-related support services. A community services case manager ensures clients receive the support they need through structured case management and referral pathways.
Typical responsibilities: Client assessments, service coordination, documentation, and advocacy.
Suited for: People who enjoy structured work, problem-solving, and long-term community care planning.
2. Community Support Worker
Community Support Workers provide direct support to individuals by helping them access services to help improve independence, wellbeing, and safety within the community. This role is central to community service, focusing on daily assistance and advocacy.
Typical responsibilities: Referrals, emotional support, and practical assistance.
Suited for: Community workers who enjoy working in the community services environment and creating positive change through everyday action.
3. Disability Support Worker / Officer
Working in disability services, this role supports individuals to live independently and actively participate in society. A disability support care worker may assist with daily tasks, mobility, community access, and coordination of care plans.
Typical responsibilities: Personal support, community engagement, documentation.
Suited for: People who enjoy hands-on support and helping others achieve independence.
4. Youth Worker
Youth Workers deliver targeted community work programs supporting young people experiencing housing instability, mental health concerns, or disengagement from education. These roles sit at the core of community services and work focused on prevention.
Typical responsibilities: Mentoring, program delivery, referrals.
Suited for: Individuals passionate about early intervention and youth development.
5. Family Support Worker
Family Support Workers provide support to individuals and families dealing with domestic violence, parenting challenges, or financial hardship. With experience, workers may progress into family services coordinator roles across family services networks.
Typical responsibilities: family assessments, referrals, ongoing support.
Suited for: empathetic professionals comfortable working with complex family situations.
6. Program Coordinator / Program Manager
A coordinator role focuses on managing community programs, supervising staff, and ensuring services provides outcomes aligned with community needs. Program coordinators often oversee multiple sites or teams.
Typical responsibilities: Planning, reporting, and staff coordination.
Suited for: Professionals interested in leadership and management roles within community service organisations.
7. Community Development Officer
Community Development Officers lead community development initiatives, plan community projects, and collaborate with government departments and government agencies.
Typical responsibilities: Community consultation, partnership building.
Suited for: People interested in long-term social impact.
8. Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinators recruit, train, and support volunteers within organisations. They play an important role in ensuring volunteer programs are effective and aligned with community needs.
This role is a good fit for strong communicators who enjoy motivating and supporting others.
9. Residential or Care Officer
Residential Officers and care workers provide hands-on community care in supported accommodation, shelters, community centres, and residential facilities, including aged care services.
Where You Could Work
Graduates will find community services jobs across a wide variety of settings, including government and non-government employers:
- Community service organisations and NGOs
- Community organisations and charities
- Government departments and local councils
- Mental health and disability providers
- Community health and outreach services
These community services roles exist across metropolitan and regional Australia. Many graduates explore opportunities through platforms like ideal job at Seek while shaping their career path.
Midway through your journey, choosing the right provider matters. Victorian International Institute of Technical Education (VIITE) delivers training led by experienced trainers, helping students develop their skills and knowledge for real workplaces.
Career Progression and Further Study
A diploma of community services supports a clear career pathway into leadership and senior management roles, including community care manager or senior coordinator positions.
Many students begin with Certificate III in Individual Support, or Certificate IV, including Certificate IV in Community Services, before advancing. After completing a relevant qualification, some pursue a bachelor’s degree to strengthen their knowledge and skills.
This progression builds the skills required for leadership and long-term success for professionals in the community services field.
Start Your Career with Victorian International Institute of Technical Education (VIITE)
If you are exploring career options after your studies, a diploma in community service opens the door to a career where you can make a real difference in the lives of others.
Victorian International Institute of Technical Education (VIITE) supports students through practical training, experienced trainers, and strong industry connections. VIITE helps learners develop the skills, gain skills to support others, and prepare for working in the community services sector.
If you are ready for a career where you can make an impact, support people, and contribute to professionals in the community services, now is the time to act. Enquire with VIITE today to begin a rewarding career in community service and take the next step toward purpose-driven work.
