How to become a welfare support worker
Support individuals and families with emotional, financial, or social difficulties.
What does a welfare support worker do?
Welfare support workers support individuals and families with emotional, financial, or social difficulties. They may directly help secure housing or food or refer clients to agencies that can provide additional services. They also frequently do larger coordination and management work for welfare agencies.
Duties and tasks
Counsel victims of abuse or others who need assistance.
Evaluate community groups and social agencies for efficiency and quality.
Interview clients to discover specific needs.
Provide emotional support for clients going through difficult times.
Refer clients to appropriate agencies.
Work through channels of command and power to get clients what they need.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Alcohol and drug worker
Community worker
Special care worker
Youth worker
Discover related courses
UndergraduateSCU-SWK-DEG
Get professionally accredited and become a social worker
Study sociology and welfare theory, develop counselling and case management skills, and get to know Indigenous world-views. When you graduate, you’ll be equipped to help individuals and families with housing, rehabilitation, and disability services.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateUNE-SWK-DEG
Become an accredited social worker and empower individuals and communities
Learn to make a positive impact on clients' lives. You’ll study social welfare theory, engage in field education, and gain insight into social problems. Explore sociology. Build counselling and case management skills. Get ready for the challenge of social work.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work
PostgraduateSCU-SSW-GCE
Prepare for a career change to social worker
Build a foundation in social sciences to prepare for postgraduate study in social work. You’ll explore human behaviour, justice, and policy. Set yourself on the path to a rewarding career. Work towards positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Case Management and Mental Health
PostgraduateGRF-CMH-GCE
Support people with injuries, disabilities, and mental illness
Develop your human service or rehabilitation practice. You’ll build skills and knowledge to manage programs and work with clients. Explore person-centred planning and communication. Grow your connections and look forward to new opportunities.
- Study method
- 100% online
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.