How to Make an Impact in Your Community

All of us have an urge at some level to help out our fellow human beings. For some, that’s donating blood, giving money to charities, or taking part in events that raise awareness for serious issues. These are all worthy actions that can lead to great change. But others need to feel their impact first hand; so much so, they need to turn their careers towards it. The only problem is: where do you start? Our school life teaches us the basics to become accountants, builders, lawyers, doctors, and property developers – but what skills are we taught to help people, such as the elderly, children, or those with a disability? It isn’t just something people are born with. If you are looking to find a vocation and align it with a new career path, this blog will show you how by making an impact in your community

Diploma of Community Services – CHC52015

Education is always the best starting point when pursuing a new career, especially if you are unsure of what field you want to enter. A Diploma of Community ServicesCHC52015 will instil the necessary knowledge and skills into students that will assist them in any roles they could land, based off a framework of class time, online work, project completion, and even industry experience/work placement. If undertaken on a full-time schedule, the course will run approximately 18 months. When launching into something you want to do for the rest of your life, it essential you have the foundations behind you. 

Recognition of Prior Learning

Do you already have experience working in the community sector? Perhaps you gained qualifications and skills outside formal training pathways? That is where Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be of assistance. RPL is the process by which Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) – the bodies in charge of issuing nationally recognised qualifications – can assess a candidate against a portfolio of evidence. This evidence will consist of various documents and materials structured to prove the candidate’s competency against Australian standards, and include previous examples of completed work, images and footage of work being completed, prior certification, referrals from previous employers, and more. If your educational skills and experience sufficiently match those required, you will receive either units against, or a full, nationally recognised qualification. If not, the RTO may suggest courses to help you upskill in your weaker areas. 

Possible Occupations

Within the Community Services sector, there is a great array of possible careers you can expand into to make a positive change. These include:

  • Advocate
  • Case Management Supervisor
  • Case Worker
  • Child Protection Officer
  • Community Care Coordinator
  • Community Development Officer
  • Community Services Manager
  • Counsellor
  • Crisis Intervention Worker
  • Halfway House Supervisor
  • Program Coordinator
  • Support Case Worker
  • Team Leader
  • Team Manager
  • Welfare Worker
  • Women’s Centre Program Supervisor

Australia’s population is growing at tremendous speeds, with every new day creating someone in need of assistance. More funding is being allocated to the industries surrounding support services, which has made today the best time to think about a new career change for a brighter future.