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COMMUNITY SERVICES COORDINATOR

Gender Representation

71% Female

Median Age

46

Median Weekly Earnings

$1462

Average Weekly Hours

43 Hours

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

A Community Services Coordinator oversees the delivery of support services and programs that assist people experiencing disadvantage or social exclusion. Their work may involve coordinating housing support, mental health programs, family services, or emergency relief initiatives.

They lead a team of support staff or volunteers, ensure that services are delivered in line with funding agreements and policies, and monitor outcomes to ensure client needs are met. This role blends leadership with operations and service development, making it ideal for someone with frontline experience who is ready to step into a strategic or supervisory position. Responsibilities include reporting, staff training, compliance checks, and liaising with government bodies and partner organisations.

Community Services Coordinators need strong problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills, as well as a clear understanding of trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, and community engagement. A Diploma or Degree in Community Services, Social Work, or a related field is typically required, along with experience leading teams and working within service-based environments.

MARKET SIZE & ECONOMIC IMPACT

Australia’s community services industry is one of the largest and most essential sectors in the country’s social and economic landscape. Employing over 1.7 million workers, the industry spans a wide range of support roles across youth work, family services, homelessness support, community development, and crisis response. Its size continues to grow in response to rising demand for wraparound support services in both metropolitan and regional areas.
 

The community services sector plays a pivotal role in social cohesion, early intervention, and long-term wellbeing—helping individuals and families overcome barriers such as housing instability, unemployment, mental health challenges, and family violence. It is a significant contributor to national employment and supports many government-led programs and non-profit initiatives across Australia.
 

Sustained government investment through the NDIS, child protection services, mental health reform, and homelessness strategies continues to fuel growth across the sector. As Australia shifts further towards preventative, person-centred, and trauma-informed care models, the need for qualified community services professionals is expected to rise—making it a resilient, purpose-driven career path with a strong future outlook.

EMERGING TRENDS & FUTURE OUTLOOK

Australia’s community services industry is undergoing significant transformation as the country responds to increasing social complexity, population growth, and a renewed focus on early intervention, prevention, and long-term social impact. As support systems shift away from reactive models, community services professionals are becoming central to coordinated care, advocacy, and holistic wellbeing.
 

One of the most notable trends is the integration of community services into cross-sector teams, where youth workers, case managers, community development officers, and support coordinators collaborate with health, housing, and justice systems to deliver wraparound care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures more responsive and individualised support for vulnerable groups. There is also a strong emphasis on trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based practice—particularly when working with First Nations peoples, refugees, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Community services workers are expected to foster empowerment, inclusion, and resilience by tailoring supports to each person’s lived experience and cultural background.
 

Technology is reshaping service delivery, with a growing use of case management software, digital intake tools, and virtual support options. Online platforms are making it easier to connect clients with services, monitor engagement, and support individuals in remote or under-served areas through virtual outreach, tele-counselling, and digital goal tracking.
 

Looking ahead, the demand for skilled professionals in community services is projected to increase—especially in areas such as youth justice, homelessness, mental health, and family violence prevention. There is also strong potential for leadership roles as organisations adapt to reforms, expand services, and prioritise community-led solutions. Overall, the future of the community services industry is centred on compassion, adaptability, and empowerment—offering purposeful, people-focused careers for those committed to building a more inclusive and resilient Australia.

CURRENT & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Specialise in High-Demand Support Areas

With increasing complexity in client needs, there’s strong demand for coordinators in specialised fields:

  • Mental Health Support – Coordinate care for clients managing anxiety, trauma, or psychosocial disability, especially through NDIS or community mental health frameworks.

  • Dementia and Aged Care – Oversee support plans for older adults, manage aged care assessments, or deliver memory-support programs in residential or home-based settings.

  • Palliative and End-of-Life Services – Work closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure compassionate and holistic support during sensitive life stages.

  • Disability Support & NDIS Coordination – Provide plan management and service navigation for clients with physical or intellectual disabilities, ensuring their goals are met.

  • Family Services & Early Intervention – Support vulnerable families, children at risk, and youth disengaged from school or employment.

Step into Senior or Strategic Roles

Community Services Coordination offers a strong foundation for career progression across both frontline and organisational levels:

  • Grow into positions such as:

    • Program Coordinator

    • Team Leader or Service Manager

    • Complex Needs Case Manager

    • Community Development Officer

    • Quality & Safeguarding Advisor

Upskilling & Professional Development Opportunities

This sector rewards ongoing learning with more autonomy, responsibility, and job security:

  • In-demand upskilling areas include:

    • Cultural Competency & Inclusive Practice

    • Trauma-Informed Care

    • NDIS Compliance & Risk Management

    • Client Engagement & Behaviour Support

    • Data & Program Evaluation

Shape the Future of Inclusive, Person-Centred Care

  • Influence how services are delivered in your community.

  • Support staff and frontline teams with coordination tools and structure.

  • Use your leadership to advocate for better outcomes for marginalised and underserved groups.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

CORE SKILLS YOU NEED

Service Coordination & Planning

Communication & Advocacy

Compliance & Record-Keeping

Systems & Technology Confidence

Problem Solving & Crisis Response

Do you want to help individuals and families access life-changing support, manage personalised care plans, and make a lasting difference in your community? Becoming a Community Services Coordinator is a practical and rewarding career pathway—no university degree required.

You don’t need prior experience—just strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a passion for helping others navigate complex systems. With the right training, you’ll be ready to work across aged care, disability, mental health, family support, and housing services. To become a Community Services Coordinator, you’ll typically need to complete a nationally recognised course such as:

  • Certificate IV in Community Services

  • Diploma of Community Services (Coordination or Case Management Stream)

  • Certificate IV in Mental Health

  • Certificate IV in Disability

  • First Aid & CPR (HLTAID011)

  • Short Courses in Cultural Safety, Trauma-Informed Practice, Program Evaluation, or Positive Behaviour Support

GET QUALIFIED TO START YOUR CAREER

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