Community Worker Resume Examples and How to Write
Are you struggling to showcase your passion for community service and advocacy skills in a way that secures interviews with Australia’s leading community organisations and government agencies? You’re not alone in this vital field where employers seek workers who can build relationships with vulnerable populations while delivering programs that create meaningful social change. Whether you’re an experienced social worker transitioning into community development, a recent graduate with a strong commitment to social justice, or someone changing careers to pursue your passion for community service, crafting an effective resume is essential for standing out in Australia’s competitive community services sector.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything needed to create a community worker resume that demonstrates your client engagement skills, program delivery experience, and understanding of community development principles. From highlighting your experience with case management and group facilitation to showcasing your knowledge of government funding processes and community needs assessment, we’ll help you present your qualifications in a format that resonates with hiring managers across non-profit organisations, local councils, and community health services.
Community Workers are in high demand across Australia as government investment in social services increases and communities face complex challenges requiring skilled intervention and support. With the right resume showcasing your interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and commitment to social justice, you’ll be well-positioned to secure opportunities in this rewarding field that offers the chance to create positive change and strengthen Australian communities from the grassroots level.
Community Worker Resume (Text Version)
Lisa Rodriguez
Community Worker
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Mobile: 0431 567 890
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisarodriguez-community
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Passionate Community Worker with 7+ years of experience delivering culturally responsive services and programs to diverse communities across Southeast Queensland. Proven track record of supporting 300+ clients through complex life challenges while maintaining 94% client satisfaction rating and achieving 85% positive program completion outcomes. Expert in case management, group facilitation, and community development with demonstrated ability to build partnerships with 40+ local organisations and secure $650K+ in program funding. Committed to social justice, human rights advocacy, and empowering communities through strength-based approaches and collaborative service delivery.
EXPERIENCE
Senior Community Worker
Lives Lived Well | March 2020 – Present
– Lead integrated community services team delivering mental health, housing, and employment support to 150+ clients annually across Logan and Ipswich regions
– Develop and implement community programs addressing social isolation, financial literacy, and job readiness, achieving 78% participant goal completion rate
– Facilitate weekly support groups for people experiencing mental health challenges, maintaining consistent attendance of 15+ participants
– Coordinate with government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organisations to ensure wraparound support for clients with complex needs
– Mentor team of 4 community workers and student placements, providing clinical supervision and professional development guidance
– Successfully advocated for policy changes improving access to mental health services for culturally diverse communities
Community Development Worker
Brisbane City Council | June 2018 – February 2020
– Designed and delivered community capacity building programs in 6 suburbs with high levels of disadvantage and cultural diversity
– Established neighbourhood networks and resident action groups, empowering 200+ community members to advocate for local improvements
– Coordinated multicultural festivals and community events attracting 3,000+ attendees annually while building social cohesion
– Conducted comprehensive community needs assessments using surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder consultation processes
– Secured $180K in grant funding for community infrastructure projects including playground upgrades and multicultural gardens
– Collaborated with planning and transport departments to address community concerns about safety and accessibility
Family Support Worker
Multicultural Australia | September 2016 – May 2018
– Provided intensive case management support to 45+ refugee and migrant families navigating settlement challenges
– Developed culturally appropriate service plans addressing housing, education, employment, and health needs
– Facilitated orientation programs for newly arrived refugees, covering Australian systems, rights, and community resources
– Built partnerships with schools, employers, and healthcare providers to improve access and reduce barriers for migrant families
– Achieved 90% client satisfaction rating through trauma-informed, culturally responsive practice approaches
– Contributed to policy submissions advocating for improved settlement support funding and service coordination
Youth Outreach Worker
YMCA Queensland | January 2015 – August 2016
– Engaged with at-risk young people aged 12-24 through street outreach, drop-in centres, and mobile services
– Provided crisis intervention and ongoing support to youth experiencing homelessness, family breakdown, and substance use issues
– Connected 120+ young people to appropriate services including housing, mental health, education, and employment support
– Facilitated life skills workshops covering budgeting, cooking, job searching, and relationship building
– Developed innovative engagement strategies including arts programs and peer mentoring initiatives
– Maintained detailed case notes and contributed to interagency case planning for high-risk young people
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Social Work
Griffith University, Brisbane | 2014
– Graduated with High Distinction (GPA: 6.5/7.0)
– Major focus: Community development and social policy
– Final year project: “Community-Led Approaches to Addressing Youth Homelessness in Brisbane”
– Relevant coursework: Human Behaviour, Social Policy, Research Methods, Community Development, Cultural Competency
– Practical placements: 200 hours each at Wesley Mission and Youth and Family Services
Certificate IV in Community Services Work
TAFE Queensland | 2012
– High achievement across all competency areas
– Specialisation: Case management and group work
SKILLS
• Case management and individual support planning • Group facilitation and program delivery
– Community development and capacity building • Crisis intervention and risk assessment
– Cultural competency and inclusive practice • Grant writing and funding applications
– Advocacy and policy development • Partnership building and stakeholder engagement
– Trauma-informed care and practice • Research and needs assessment
– Conflict resolution and mediation • Professional supervision and mentoring
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
• Mental Health First Aid Instructor Certification (Current)
– Trauma-Informed Care Certificate – Blue Knot Foundation
– Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Training – DVConnect
– Working with Children Check (Valid until 2026)
– Cultural Competency Training – Australian Human Rights Commission
– Suicide Prevention Training – LivingWorks ASIST
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
• Full Member – Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
– Member – Community Development Network Queensland
– Associate – Australian Community Workers Association
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Community Worker of the Year – Queensland Community Services Industry Alliance (2023)
– Excellence in Multicultural Service Delivery – Brisbane City Council (2019)
– Outstanding Student Achievement Award – Griffith University (2014)
– Volunteer Recognition Award – YMCA Queensland (2016)
What is The Best Format for a Community Worker Resume?
The most effective format for a Community Worker resume is the reverse chronological format, which clearly demonstrates your career progression in community services and showcases your growing expertise in working with different client populations and community development approaches. This format is particularly valued by community sector employers as it highlights your experience across various service areas and your development of specialised skills in areas like case management, group work, or community development.
Key formatting guidelines include:
– Font: Professional, accessible fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Verdana that ensure excellent readability for diverse reviewers
– Font size: 11-12 point for body text, 14-16 point for your name and section headings
– Margins: 2.5cm margins on all sides to provide adequate white space and professional presentation
– File type: PDF format to preserve formatting across different systems and software
– Length: 2-3 pages for experienced workers, 1-2 pages for entry-level positions
Essential resume sections for Community Workers:
Header: Include your full name, location (suburb and state), mobile number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure your email address reflects professionalism appropriate for community sector work.
Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of community work experience, client populations served, key achievements in service delivery, and core values or approaches that guide your practice.
Experience: Focus on client outcomes achieved, community programs delivered, partnership development, advocacy achievements, and measurable improvements in community wellbeing or service access.
Education: Include relevant qualifications with emphasis on social work, community services, or related fields that provide the foundation for ethical and effective community practice.
Other sections: Certifications and training, professional memberships, achievements, and any volunteer work that demonstrates your ongoing commitment to community service and professional development.
What Experience Should Be on Your Community Worker Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your ability to work with diverse populations, deliver effective programs and services, build community capacity, and contribute to positive social change. Include roles that showcase your understanding of social justice principles, your skills in relationship building and advocacy, and your experience addressing complex social issues through individual and community interventions.
What to include:
• Community work and social service positions
– Case management and client support roles
– Community development and capacity building experience
– Youth work and family support positions
– Mental health and wellbeing support roles
– Multicultural and refugee services experience
– Advocacy and policy development work
– Non-profit program coordination positions
– Government community services roles
– Volunteer leadership in community organisations
Correct Example:
Community Development Worker
Anglicare Southern Queensland | April 2019 – Present
– Lead community strengthening initiatives across 4 disadvantaged suburbs, engaging with 250+ residents to identify priorities and develop local solutions
– Establish and support neighbourhood groups, tenant associations, and advocacy networks, empowering community members to address local issues
– Facilitate community forums and workshops on topics including financial literacy, health promotion, and civic participation with average 85% satisfaction rating
– Coordinate with local government, police, and service providers to address community safety concerns and improve service accessibility
– Secure $120K annually in community grants and donations, enabling infrastructure improvements and program expansion
– Apply strength-based, participatory approaches that recognise community assets and promote resident leadership and self-determination
Incorrect Example:
Community Development Worker
Anglicare Southern Queensland | April 2019 – Present
– Worked with communities
– Ran groups and meetings
– Helped with local problems
– Got money for programs
– Worked with government
– Used community development approaches
The correct example uses empowering language, includes specific outcomes and achievements, demonstrates understanding of community development principles, and shows measurable impact on community wellbeing and capacity.
Entry-Level Community Worker Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, emphasise relevant training, volunteer work, student placements, and any experience working with people in supportive or service roles. Focus on transferable skills like communication, empathy, cultural awareness, and commitment to social justice that are essential for community work.
Correct Entry-Level Example:
Community Support Assistant
Wesley Mission Queensland | February 2023 – Present
– Provide administrative and program support for community services team delivering homelessness prevention and support services
– Assist with client intake processes and initial assessments, demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity with diverse client population
– Support group programs including life skills workshops and peer support groups, contributing to 92% participant retention rate
– Maintain accurate client records and contribute to case planning processes under supervision of senior community workers
– Participate in outreach activities and community events, helping to build relationships and promote service awareness
– Complete professional development training in trauma-informed care, domestic violence awareness, and cultural competency
Incorrect Entry-Level Example:
Community Support Assistant
Wesley Mission Queensland | February 2023 – Present
– Helped community workers
– Talked to clients
– Ran some groups
– Did paperwork
– Went to events
– Did training courses
How to Write the Education Section for your Community Worker Resume
The education section is important for Community Worker positions, as most roles require formal qualifications in social work, community services, psychology, or related fields that provide the knowledge base for ethical and effective practice. Australian community sector employers value candidates with relevant qualifications that demonstrate understanding of social justice principles, human behaviour, community development theory, and professional practice standards.
List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, including course name, institution, completion year, and relevant academic achievements. Include practical placement hours and any specialisation areas that relate directly to community work. For recent graduates, highlight specific subjects or projects that demonstrate your commitment to community service and understanding of social issues.
Community Worker Resume Example [Education]
Bachelor of Community Services
Southern Cross University, Lismore | 2021
– Graduated with High Distinction average (GPA: 6.6/7.0)
– Specialisation: Community development and social policy
– Final year project: “Participatory Action Research with First Nations Communities: Addressing Housing Stress in Regional NSW”
– Relevant coursework: Community Development Theory, Social Policy Analysis, Research Methods, Cultural Competency, Group Work Practice
– Practical placements: 400 hours across community health centre, neighbourhood centre, and Indigenous community organisation
– Academic achievement: Dean’s List recipient (2020, 2021)
Diploma of Community Services
North Coast Institute of TAFE | 2018
– High achievement across all competency areas
– Specialisation: Case management and community development
– Work placement: 200 hours with local community centre focusing on multicultural services
How to Write the Skills Section for your Community Worker Resume
The skills section is crucial for Community Worker resumes as it demonstrates your ability to work effectively with diverse populations while addressing complex social issues through individual and community-level interventions. Australian community sector employers seek workers with both practical competencies (case management, group facilitation) and interpersonal skills (empathy, cultural competency, advocacy) that enable effective relationship building and positive client outcomes.
Include 10-15 skills that align with community work requirements, balancing direct practice skills with community development and advocacy competencies. Prioritise skills frequently mentioned in Australian community sector job advertisements and those reflecting current best practices in community services and social work.
Community Worker Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Case management and care coordination
– Community needs assessment and research
– Grant writing and funding applications
– Program design and evaluation
– Group facilitation and workshop delivery
– Crisis intervention and risk assessment
– Policy analysis and development
– Data collection and reporting
– Community consultation and engagement
– Project management and coordination
– Budget management and financial reporting
– Advocacy and representation skills
– Professional documentation and record keeping
– Partnership development and maintenance
Community Worker Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Empathy and compassionate communication
– Cultural competency and inclusive practice
– Active listening and person-centred approach
– Conflict resolution and mediation
– Team collaboration and professional relationships
– Adaptability and resilience in challenging situations
– Critical thinking and problem-solving
– Time management and priority setting
– Professional boundaries and ethical practice
– Leadership and community mobilisation
– Patience and persistence in complex situations
– Creativity and innovative thinking
– Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
– Motivational and strengths-based approach
How to pick the best Community Worker skills:
1. Review job descriptions from community organisations to identify commonly requested skills and competencies
2. Consider professional standards and ethics that guide community work practice in Australia
3. Match your experience to skills you can demonstrate through specific examples of client work and community outcomes
4. Include essential capabilities such as case management, group work, and crisis intervention
5. Balance direct practice and community development skills to show versatility in individual and collective approaches
6. Consider client populations and include skills relevant to working with specific groups or communities
7. Stay current with evolving practices in community services, trauma-informed care, and participatory approaches
8. Include advocacy skills that demonstrate your commitment to social justice and systemic change
Community Worker Resume Examples [Skills]
• Case management: Provided comprehensive case management support to 60+ clients experiencing multiple complex challenges, achieving 88% positive goal completion rate
– Group facilitation: Designed and delivered 12-week life skills programs for vulnerable populations, maintaining 90% participant retention and 85% completion rates
– Community development: Led participatory community planning processes engaging 200+ residents in identifying priorities and developing local solutions
– Grant writing: Successfully secured $450K+ in funding from government and philanthropic sources, enabling expansion of community programs and services
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Community Worker Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your Community Worker resume by demonstrating your commitment to social justice, ongoing professional development, and deep engagement with community issues beyond your paid employment. These sections are particularly valuable in the community sector where employers appreciate workers who show genuine passion for community service and continuous learning about social issues and effective practice approaches.
Valuable bonus sections for Community Workers include:
Resume Licences & Certifications: Professional certifications such as Mental Health First Aid, trauma-informed care training, or specialised intervention certifications that demonstrate your commitment to best practice and professional competency.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like AASW, Community Development Network, or sector-specific associations that show your engagement with professional development and commitment to professional standards.
Conferences: Attendance at community services conferences, workshops, or professional development events that demonstrate your commitment to staying current with best practices and emerging approaches in community work.
Resume Volunteer Work: Volunteer activities that demonstrate your genuine commitment to community service and social justice beyond your professional roles, particularly leadership positions or long-term commitments.
Awards and Honours: Recognition for outstanding community service, advocacy achievements, or professional excellence that validates your contributions to community wellbeing and social change.
Languages on a Resume: Additional languages that enable you to work effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, particularly valuable in Australia’s multicultural community services landscape.
Community Worker Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Right Example:
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
– Mental Health First Aid Instructor Certification (Current)
– Trauma-Informed Care Certificate – Australian Childhood Foundation (2023)
– Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Training – DVRCV (2022)
– Cultural Competency in Community Services – TAFE NSW (2023)
– Working with Children Check – Valid until March 2027
– Suicide Prevention Training – LivingWorks ASIST (2023)
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
– Board Member – Logan Community Legal Centre (2020-Present)
– Volunteer Coordinator – Refugee Welcome Zone (2018-2021)
– Community Garden Coordinator – Woodridge Community Garden (2019-Present)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
– National Community Development Conference – Darwin (2023)
– Social Policy and Community Practice Institute – University of Queensland (2022)
– First Nations Cultural Competency Workshop – Griffith University (2023)
Wrong Example:
HOBBIES
– Helping people in community
– Volunteering at local events
– Reading about social issues
– Attending community meetings
PERSONAL QUALITIES
– Very caring and empathetic
– Good listener
– Passionate about social justice
– Strong advocate for others
Tip about other things you can include: Consider adding relevant personal experiences that inform your community work (such as lived experience of migration, disability, or other challenges), community leadership roles, or creative projects that demonstrate your commitment to community building and social change.
How to write a Community Worker Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary is essential for Community Worker resumes as it immediately communicates your passion for social justice, your commitment to community empowerment, and your understanding of the values that guide effective community practice. This section should be 3-4 lines that capture your experience level, client populations served, key achievements, and what drives your commitment to creating positive social change.
Key elements to include:
– Years of community work experience and populations or communities you’ve worked with
– Specific achievements in areas like client outcomes, community development, or program delivery
– Your approach to community work and commitment to social justice principles
– Technical competencies like case management, group facilitation, or policy advocacy
– Your vision for community empowerment and social change
Community Worker Resume Summary Examples
Right Example:
Dedicated Community Worker with 8+ years of experience empowering diverse communities through strength-based practice and participatory development approaches. Successfully supported 400+ individuals and families to overcome complex challenges while building community capacity through grassroots organising and advocacy. Expert in case management, group facilitation, and community development with proven track record of securing $780K+ in funding for community-led initiatives. Passionate about social justice, human rights, and creating systemic change that addresses root causes of inequality and promotes community self-determination.
Wrong Example:
Experienced community worker who enjoys helping people and working in the community sector. Good communication skills and caring nature. Hard worker who gets along well with clients and colleagues. Looking for community worker position where I can use my skills to help people and make a difference in the community.
For entry-level candidates or those transitioning into community work, a resume objective can be more appropriate as it focuses on your career goals, relevant values, and commitment to community service and social justice.
Entry-Level Community Worker Resume Summary Examples
Right Example:
Recent Bachelor of Social Work graduate with strong foundation in community development theory and 300+ hours of supervised practice experience across multicultural services and youth programs. Demonstrated commitment to social justice through volunteer leadership roles and advocacy work with refugee communities. Skilled in strengths-based practice, cultural competency, and participatory approaches with particular interest in working with marginalised communities to address systemic disadvantage. Eager to contribute passion for human rights and community empowerment to [Organisation Name]’s mission of creating inclusive, resilient communities.
Wrong Example:
New community services graduate looking for entry-level community worker position to start career. Studied community services and did placement at community centre. Good people skills and want to help communities. Willing to learn and work hard in community sector role.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Community Worker Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is important for community workers, as many community organisations and government agencies use LinkedIn to identify potential candidates who demonstrate genuine commitment to social justice and community empowerment. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume by providing additional context about your community work philosophy, advocacy activities, and engagement with social issues while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
When updating your LinkedIn profile to align with your community worker resume, focus on demonstrating your understanding of social justice principles, your commitment to community empowerment, and your engagement with the broader community sector. LinkedIn’s platform allows for more detailed explanations of your community work approach, professional development activities, and contributions to advancing community wellbeing and social change.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Community Workers
Your LinkedIn headline should be more descriptive and values-driven than your resume header, helping you appear in searches by community sector recruiters while immediately communicating your specialisation and commitment to social justice.
Effective Headlines:
• “Community Worker | Social Justice Advocate | Empowering Diverse Communities | Case Management & Group Work | Brisbane”
• “Experienced Community Development Worker | Multicultural Services | Capacity Building | Policy Advocacy | Melbourne”
• “Community Services Professional | Youth & Family Support | Trauma-Informed Practice | Community Organising | Sydney”
Ineffective Headlines:
• “Community Worker at ABC Community Services”
• “Social Worker and Community Helper”
• “Helping Communities Every Day”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary focuses on experience and achievements, your LinkedIn summary should be more personal and values-driven, allowing your passion for social justice and community empowerment to shine through. Use first-person language to share what motivates your community work, your approach to supporting communities, and your vision for social change.
Your LinkedIn summary should be 4-6 paragraphs and can include your motivation for working in community services and what drives your commitment to social justice, your approach to community work and philosophy of empowerment and participation, key achievements with context about challenges overcome and positive outcomes for communities, your perspective on social issues, community development, and systemic change, professional interests in emerging practices like trauma-informed care or participatory approaches, and invitation for professional networking with others committed to community service and social justice.
Showcasing Community Worker Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn allows you to provide more comprehensive descriptions of your community work and professional development activities while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and privacy for the people and communities you work with. For each position, expand beyond resume bullet points to describe your community work approach, professional growth, and contribution to positive outcomes while always respecting client privacy and community dignity.
Consider adding insights about your community work philosophy and approaches to empowerment (without identifying specific clients or communities), professional development activities, training completed, or conferences attended, achievements in advancing social justice or community capacity building within your organisation, testimonials from colleagues or supervisors about your professional approach and commitment (ensuring confidentiality), links to relevant articles, policy submissions, or advocacy initiatives you’ve contributed to, and involvement in community organisations or social justice movements outside your paid work.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Community Workers
LinkedIn’s skills section should include 15-25 relevant competencies that reflect both your practical community work abilities and your commitment to social justice principles. Focus on skills that community sector recruiters commonly search for and those that demonstrate your effectiveness in supporting individuals and building community capacity.
Priority skills for endorsements: Community Development, Case Management, Social Work, Community Services, Group Facilitation, Advocacy, Cultural Competency, Crisis Intervention, Program Development, Grant Writing, Policy Development, Youth Work, Family Support, and Community Engagement.
Actively seek endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals in the community sector. Be mindful of professional boundaries and avoid seeking endorsements from clients or community members to maintain appropriate professional relationships.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Community Workers
Networking strategies specific to the Australian market:
Connect with professionals from major Australian community organisations, peak bodies like ACOSS and COSS networks, and government agencies responsible for community services. Follow community sector leaders, policy advocates, and thought leaders to stay informed about sector developments and social policy issues affecting Australian communities.
Optimise for Australian community services recruitment:
Use Australian community services terminology and reference local policy frameworks, funding programs, and service delivery models throughout your profile. Engage with Australian social policy discussions and community sector advocacy to demonstrate your understanding of the local context and commitment to advancing social justice in Australia.
Content engagement and professional advocacy:
Share insights about community development approaches, social justice issues, and community sector challenges while always maintaining client confidentiality and professional boundaries. Comment thoughtfully on posts about social policy, community wellbeing, and advocacy initiatives to demonstrate your engagement with professional issues and commitment to social change.
Creating an exceptional Community Worker resume is your foundation for securing meaningful roles in Australia’s vital community services sector. By following the strategies outlined in this guide—from demonstrating client-centred outcomes to showcasing your expertise in community development and advocacy—you’ll position yourself as a compelling candidate who can make a genuine difference in strengthening communities and advancing social justice.
Remember that your resume should reflect both your professional competencies and your values-driven approach to community work, showing that you can balance practical skills with genuine commitment to empowerment and social change. Whether you’re seeking your first community work role or advancing to senior positions in community development or policy advocacy, the key is demonstrating your unique combination of technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and passion for creating positive social change.
To further strengthen your application, consider developing a targeted community worker cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the organisation’s mission and the specific communities they serve. Additionally, regularly reviewing opportunities on Seek, EthicalJobs, and community sector-specific job boards will keep you informed about sector trends and employer expectations.
The community services sector in Australia continues to grow and evolve, with increasing recognition of the importance of community-led approaches, cultural competency, and addressing systemic disadvantage. With a well-crafted resume and genuine commitment to social justice and community empowerment, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews and build a rewarding career that contributes to building stronger, more inclusive Australian communities. For ongoing professional development and sector engagement, consider joining the Australian Association of Social Workers or your local COSS network to stay connected with sector developments and advocacy opportunities.
