Careers that make a difference: Working in Community Services
Every day across Australia, community services professionals play a vital role in supporting people to live fulfilling, connected, and independent lives. From helping young people find their path to providing care for older Australians or supporting people with disabilities, these are careers that make a real difference.
What are Community Services jobs?
Community services is a broad sector dedicated to improving people’s wellbeing and strengthening communities. Roles in this field focus on supporting individuals and families who may be facing challenges such as housing insecurity, mental health issues, ageing, disability, or social isolation. Unlike many other industries, community services roles are deeply people-centred - grounded in empathy, respect, and a desire to create positive change. Workers in this sector help others build confidence, skills, and resilience so they can live life to the fullest.
Why Community Services Are Often Provided by Not-for-Profit Organisations?
In Australia, many community services are delivered by not-for-profit and faith-based organisations like Wesley Mission. These organisations reinvest their resources back into the community rather than distributing profits to shareholders. This means every dollar earned supports programs and services that change lives - from mental health support and disability services to aged care, homelessness support, and family assistance. Not-for-profit organisations are often trusted partners in delivering government - funded programs and are at the heart of local communities.
Types of Jobs in Community Services
There’s a wide variety of rewarding roles within the sector, offering opportunities to work directly with people or manage and coordinate programs: Youth Worker: Support young people by providing guidance, mentoring, and access to resources.
- Case Manager: Assess client needs and coordinate services to help them achieve their goals.
- Social Worker: Work with individuals, families, and communities to overcome challenges and improve wellbeing.
- Aged Care Support Worker: Assist older Australians with daily living activities and community participation.
- Disability Support Worker: Provide support to individuals with disabilities to enhance independence and quality of life.
- Mental Health Support Worker: Help people experiencing mental health challenges build stability and resilience.
- Community Support Worker: Connect people with essential services such as housing, financial assistance, and healthcare.
- Community Services Manager: Lead teams and oversee the delivery of programs that make a tangible impact in people’s lives.
Skills and Qualifications Needed
Community services professionals need more than technical skills - they need compassion, patience, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Key skills include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and cultural awareness.
To work in the sector, most roles require a Certificate III or IV in Community Services, Disability, or Aged Care, while more advanced positions may need a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or human services.
Wesley Mission: A Leader in Community Services and Training, and one of NSW’s largest community services organisations
Wesley Mission provides a broad range of essential services across aged care, disability, mental health, housing, and family support. We’re not only an employer of dedicated community services professionals - we’re also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Through Wesley Vocational Institute, we train the next generation of community service workers, equipping them with the skills and experience to make a lasting impact.
Our training programs combine classroom learning with real-world placements across Wesley Mission’s services - helping students gain confidence, industry experience, and a strong pathway to employment. Start Your Career in Community Services If you’re passionate about helping others, a career in community services offers purpose, growth, and the chance to make a genuine difference every day. Whether you’re looking to begin your career, retrain, or take the next step into leadership, Wesley Mission provides opportunities to learn, grow, and serve with heart.
