Full job description

About the role

The Community Worker will assist clients by assessing their circumstances, identifying barriers to participation, developing support strategies, coordinating access to services, and helping clients engage with appropriate community, welfare, health, housing, employment, training and recreational supports.

This role is focused on community access, client development, service coordination and welfare support. The successful applicant will work directly with clients and their families, while also liaising with allied health providers, welfare agencies, community groups, government bodies and other relevant services.

Key responsibilities

The Community Worker is responsible for:

• Interviewing clients and families to assess their needs, goals, circumstances and barriers to community participation.
• Assessing client needs and assisting with the planning, development and implementation of individual support programs.
• Supporting clients to access community services, welfare agencies, health services, housing supports, employment supports, training programs, recreational activities and other relevant resources.
• Referring clients to external agencies and service providers where additional or specialist assistance is required.
• Liaising with community groups, welfare agencies, government bodies, allied health professionals, families and private organisations about client and community needs.
• Promoting awareness of community resources and services available to clients and their families.
• Monitoring client progress and preparing accurate case notes, progress reports, incident reports and service updates.
• Supporting clients and families to understand available services, participate in decision-making, and develop practical strategies for independence and community inclusion.
• Assisting with community participation programs and activities that support social connection, life skills, wellbeing and inclusion.
• Identifying gaps in community support and assisting with the development of practical solutions for clients and service users.
• Supporting clients with disability, aged care or social support needs in community, adult service, group activity or home-based settings where this forms part of a broader support plan.
• Working with internal staff and external providers to ensure services are delivered in line with client goals, safeguarding obligations and organisational policies.

Essential criteria

The community worker must have:

Qualifications

• A Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Community Services, Disability, Welfare, Social Services, Case Management or a related field.
• At least three years of relevant experience may be considered in place of formal qualifications.

Experience

• At least one year experience in in community services or a related role.

Skills

• Strong understanding of client assessment, support planning, community access and referral pathways.
• Ability to liaise professionally with families, carers, allied health professionals, welfare agencies and community organisations.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear case notes, reports and client progress updates.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, linguistic and social backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel to client homes, community settings and service locations as required.

Licenses