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How to Become A Community Development Officer

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What is a Community Development Officer

A Community Development Officer works to make their area a better place to live. They run programs, connect residents with help, and push for change on issues that matter most to local people. The work covers housing, health, youth programs, and local renewal. It is a job for people who want to see real results each day.

In this role, you spend time meeting people, running events, and building ties with local groups and councils. You might run a youth health program one week and a grants workshop the next. Officers also write grant bids and track how programs are going. No two weeks look the same.

Community Development Officers work in local councils, non-profits, health centres, and housing groups. Some focus on specific groups such as young people, older adults, or multicultural communities. Others work across whole areas. The common thread is a care for fairness and inclusion.

The average salary is around $90,000 to $100,000 per year (SEEK, June 2026). Entry-level roles can start from around $70,000, and senior roles in government can exceed $115,000. Around 28,400 community workers are in work in Australia, with demand rated as Strong (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

Start your study journey in Community Development

Career Outlook for Community Development Officer

Community Development Officers typically work around 38 hours per week. Part-time and contract roles are also common. About 61% of people in this role work full-time (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The field is mostly female, with women making up around 80% of the workforce. The median age is 45, showing a workforce with a lot of experience.

There are around 28,400 community workers in work in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Demand is rated as Strong and is set to grow. Growth is driven by more government spending on community wellbeing, housing support, and social inclusion. Permanent and contract roles are available across local government, non-profit groups, and community centres.

The average salary is around $90,000 to $100,000 per year (SEEK, June 2026). Entry-level roles often start from around $70,000. Senior and top roles in government can exceed $115,000. With stable work and growing demand, this career offers both financial security and meaningful work.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Community Development Officer

A Community Development Officer helps local areas plan and run programs that improve daily life. The role suits people who care about social change. They want to build real skills in program running and community outreach.

Steps to become a Community Development Officer

Step 1: Complete the Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021)

Enrol in the Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This course takes 12 to 18 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time. It covers community outreach, case management, and program planning. It meets the needs of most entry-level jobs in the sector.

Step 2: Gain a Bachelor Degree in Social Work or Community Development

For officer-level roles, many employers prefer a bachelor degree. Complete a Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Community Development at a university. Most programs take 3 to 4 years full-time. Many universities offer these degrees online or on campus. Graduates can move into program and policy roles.

Step 3: Complete Your Work Placement

Both the diploma and degree include supervised work placement. Do your placement at a community centre, local council, or non-profit group. Placements run for 200 to 400 hours depending on your course. They build real skills in needs checks and program delivery.

Step 4: Register with Community Work Australia

After finishing your course, register with Community Work Australia. This is the national peak body for community workers in Australia. Membership gives you access to learning, networking, and industry resources. It also adds recognition to your resume when applying for roles.

Step 5: Apply for Entry-Level Community Development Positions

Look for entry-level roles at local councils, health centres, housing groups, and non-profit groups. Tailor your resume to show skills in community outreach, grant writing, or program running. Early roles often progress to senior officer and program manager positions over time.

What does a Community Development Officer do?

A Community Development Officer’s day is varied and hands-on. They start by meeting local people to understand what the community needs. Then they move into program planning, grant bids, and event running. They work closely with councils, businesses, and non-profit groups to build ties and share resources. Reporting on program results to funders is also a regular task. The work changes with each area. The goal is always to help people take action and improve life where they live.

Tasks

Community Development Officers are driven and versatile. They manage programs, build ties, and speak up for the people they serve. Here is a snapshot of what their work looks like day to day.

  • Community Needs Assessment – Running surveys and talks to find out what local people want and need.
  • Program Development – Planning and running programs that tackle housing, health, education, and social issues.
  • Stakeholder Engagement – Building ties with councils, community groups, and non-profits to work toward shared goals.
  • Grant Writing – Writing funding bids to secure money for community projects and initiatives.
  • Event Coordination – Running workshops, community days, and meetings that get people involved.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation – Checking how programs are going and making changes to improve results.
  • Advocacy – Speaking up for community needs with local government and policy-makers.
  • Capacity Building – Training and supporting volunteers and local people to lead local action.

Skills for Success

To do well as a Community Development Officer, you need strong people skills. You spend a lot of time listening, running meetings, and writing bids and reports. Problem-solving matters too, since every community has different needs and challenges. Being organised helps you keep multiple projects on track at the same time.

Cultural awareness is important in this role. You will work with people from all kinds of backgrounds, so respect and empathy go a long way. The ability to build trust and get others involved is what makes this work succeed. These skills grow with time, and there are plenty of ways to keep learning throughout your career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Clear communication, written and verbal
  • Community outreach and facilitation
  • Project planning and management
  • Grant writing and budget management
  • Understanding of community needs and social issues
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Empathy and cultural awareness
  • Organising and time management skills
  • Knowledge of community development principles
  • Ability to engage and motivate local people
  • Research and data skills
  • Networking and relationship-building
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Commitment to social justice and equity

Average Salaries

The average salary for a Community Development Officer in Australia is around $95,000 per year (SEEK, June 2026). Entry-level roles start at around $70,000 per year. Senior officers in government can earn over $115,000. Pay rises with years of work, training, and the field you work in.

min $70 K

max $115 K

av $95 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson
Laura Atkinson

Explore career guides by Laura Atkinson. Practical how-to-become advice on qualifications, skills, salary and job outlook across Australia.