How to become a refuge worker
Give emotional and psychological support to children and adults in group homes, or residential and correctional facilities.
What does a refuge worker do?
Refuge Workers, also known as special care workers, work with children and adults in a variety of capacities. They may work with high-risk children who live in residential facilities, group homes, or correctional facilities, or they may provide emotional and psychological support to people who live in refuges.
Duties and tasks
Ensuring children are following facility rules and disciplining them and filing disciplinary reports when infractions occur
Ensuring children in group homes are washed and fed
Planning, coordinating, and supervising individual and group activities for children in residential care facilities
Steering refuge residents to welfare services as necessary and needed
Supervising children in residential or group homes
Working with residents of refuges to provide emotional support
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Discover related courses
Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing
UndergraduateUNE-CWW-DIP
Nurture individuals and communities
Follow, or build upon, your natural urge to protect and nurture those around you. Develop skills that form the core of care professions. Gain a pathway into a degree in nursing, social work or community services.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Bachelor of Community and Human Services
UndergraduateECU-CHS-DEG
Empower communities, champion diversity, and create meaningful change
Connect with and support people, families and communities. You’ll explore social change, cultural diversity, and human rights. Build real-world experience and networks through field placements. Graduate ready to make a lasting difference to people’s lives.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateADU-BCH-DEG
Promote strong and healthy communities
Take a broad, non-clinical approach to community services and care. You’ll cover public health, disability, and ageing. Study the human body and mind. Explore laws and policies. Graduate ready to improve wellbeing across diverse settings.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Community Services
UndergraduateUNE-CSV-DEG
Empower lives, shape futures and transform communities
Make a difference in the lives of the marginalised. You’ll study community services theory blended with real-world experience. Build skills in case management, counselling, and fieldwork. Get ready for roles in welfare and community care settings.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Need help making study choices for your career?
Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources
How to write a business plan
Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.
10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.
5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.