Community Support Worker Resume Examples and How to Write
Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives but struggling to showcase the depth and impact of your support work on paper? Many dedicated community support workers find it challenging to translate their compassionate care, diverse skill set, and meaningful client relationships into a resume that captures the attention of Australian employers. The key is demonstrating how your person-centred approach, practical support skills, and commitment to empowerment directly improve client outcomes and contribute to community wellbeing.
Whether you’re starting your career in community services, transitioning from healthcare or aged care, or seeking advancement in disability support and social services, this comprehensive guide will help you create a resume that positions you as a skilled, empathetic professional capable of providing exceptional support to vulnerable community members.
Community support workers are essential to Australia’s social services sector, providing practical assistance, emotional support, and advocacy for people with disabilities, mental health challenges, chronic illnesses, and other support needs. From NDIS providers to community health organisations advertising on SEEK and specialist support services, employers need workers who combine genuine care with professional competence and understanding of person-centred approaches to support delivery.
Community Support Worker Resume (Text Version)
Sarah Johnson
Community Support Worker
Perth, WA 6000
Phone: 0421 567 890
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson
Professional Summary
Compassionate Community Support Worker with 5+ years of experience providing person-centred support to individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, and complex support needs. Successfully supported 35+ clients in achieving their independence goals while maintaining 98% client satisfaction rating. Skilled in NDIS framework implementation, behaviour support, and collaborative care planning with strong commitment to dignity, choice, and empowerment principles. Current First Aid and Working with Children Check certifications with experience across residential, community, and in-home support environments.
Professional Experience
Community Support Worker | EnableCare Services, Perth | March 2021 – Present
• Provide comprehensive support to 12 NDIS participants with intellectual disabilities, autism, and physical disabilities across community and residential settings
• Develop and implement person-centred support plans in collaboration with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams
• Assist clients with daily living skills including personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and household tasks
• Support community access and social participation activities, facilitating skill development and independence building
• Maintain detailed progress notes and incident reports in compliance with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements
• Achieved 100% compliance in annual quality audits and received commendation for innovative approach to client engagement
Support Worker – Mental Health | Community Care Partners, Fremantle | June 2019 – February 2021
• Supported 8 clients with mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
• Provided crisis support and de-escalation interventions using trauma-informed care approaches
• Coordinated with psychiatrists, psychologists, and case managers to ensure integrated care delivery
• Facilitated group activities focused on social skills development, emotional regulation, and peer support
• Supported clients in accessing community services, employment opportunities, and educational programmes
• Completed Mental Health First Aid training and contributed to team training on suicide risk assessment
Disability Support Worker | Independence Living Solutions, Perth | January 2018 – May 2019
• Provided in-home support to 15 clients with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and chronic health conditions
• Assisted with personal care tasks while maintaining client dignity and promoting maximum independence
• Supported clients in developing life skills including budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and community navigation
• Accompanied clients to medical appointments, social activities, and community engagement opportunities
• Collaborated with occupational therapists and physiotherapists to implement therapeutic programmes
• Maintained accurate documentation and communicated regularly with family members and care coordinators
Care Assistant | Sunrise Aged Care, Perth | September 2016 – December 2017
• Provided personal care and emotional support to 25 residents with dementia, mobility limitations, and chronic conditions
• Assisted with activities of daily living including showering, dressing, medication administration, and mobility support
• Participated in care plan meetings and contributed observations about resident needs and preferences
• Organised and facilitated recreational activities and social events to enhance quality of life
• Maintained infection control standards and ensured compliance with aged care regulations
Education
Certificate IV in Disability Support | TAFE Western Australia | 2018
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) | Australian Institute of Professional Education | 2017
Skills
• Person-Centred Support Planning
• NDIS Framework & Documentation
• Behaviour Support & De-escalation
• Personal Care & Activities of Daily Living
• Mental Health Support & Crisis Intervention
• Community Access & Social Inclusion
• Medication Management & Administration
• Documentation & Incident Reporting
Current Certifications
• Working with Children Check (WA) – Valid until 2026
• First Aid & CPR Certification – Australian Red Cross (2023)
• Mental Health First Aid Certification (2022)
• Manual Handling Training (2023)
Professional Development
• Trauma-Informed Care Workshop – 2023
• Positive Behaviour Support Training – 2022
• NDIS Quality Standards Update Training – 2023
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Strategies – 2022
What is The Best Format for a Community Support Worker Resume?
The reverse chronological format works best for community support worker positions as it clearly demonstrates your experience progression and shows your developing expertise in supporting different client groups and working across various support environments. This format allows employers to see your commitment to the sector and your growing competence in community support work.
Font Selection and Sizing:
Choose warm, professional fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica that convey approachability while maintaining professionalism. Use 14-16pt for your name, 11-12pt for section headings, and 10-11pt for body text. Clarity and readability are important as your resume may be reviewed by diverse hiring teams including clinical staff and service managers.
Layout and Spacing:
Maintain 2.5cm margins and use white space strategically to create a clean, organised appearance. Community services managers often review many resumes, so ensure yours is easy to scan while reflecting the attention to detail expected in support documentation.
File Format:
Always submit as a PDF unless specifically requested otherwise. This preserves formatting and demonstrates the same attention to documentation standards expected in client records and incident reporting.
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, phone number, professional email, city and state, and LinkedIn profile if you have one. Keep personal information appropriate and professional.
Professional Summary: A compelling 3-4 sentence overview highlighting your support work experience, client populations served, key competencies, and commitment to person-centred care principles.
Professional Experience: Focus on roles that demonstrate your support skills, client relationship building, and ability to work within frameworks like NDIS while maintaining compliance and quality standards.
Education: Include relevant qualifications such as Certificate III/IV in Community Services, Disability Support, or Individual Support. Many Australian employers require formal qualifications in community services.
Skills: Balance practical support skills with interpersonal competencies, showing you can handle both hands-on care and relationship building aspects of community support work.
Other Sections: Consider adding current certifications, professional development, volunteer work, or language skills that enhance your ability to support diverse clients and communities.
What Experience Should Be on Your Community Support Worker Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your practical support skills, ability to build meaningful relationships with clients, and understanding of person-centred approaches to care. Focus on roles that show your capacity to work with diverse populations while maintaining professional boundaries and achieving positive outcomes.
• Highlight diverse client experience including different disability types, age groups, and support settings to show your versatility
• Quantify your impact with client numbers supported, satisfaction ratings, goal achievements, or quality improvements
• Demonstrate compliance knowledge including NDIS requirements, documentation standards, and quality frameworks
• Show collaborative skills through examples of working with families, healthcare professionals, and multidisciplinary teams
• Include crisis management experience and your ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care
• Emphasise advocacy examples where you’ve supported client rights, choice, and empowerment
Community Support Worker | Choice Support Services, Brisbane | 2020 – Present
• Provide person-centred support to 18 NDIS participants with diverse disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, and acquired brain injury
• Implement behaviour support plans in collaboration with positive behaviour specialists, achieving 85% reduction in challenging behaviours
• Support clients in achieving independence goals including 3 successful transitions from supported accommodation to independent living
• Facilitate community access activities resulting in improved social connections and 90% client satisfaction in quarterly reviews
• Maintain comprehensive documentation meeting NDIS Quality Standards with zero compliance issues in annual audits
• Mentor 4 new support workers, contributing to 95% staff retention rate and improved service quality outcomes
Community Support Worker | Some Organisation, Brisbane | 2020 – Present
• Worked with disabled clients providing various types of support
• Helped people with daily activities and personal care
• Attended meetings and completed paperwork when required
• Followed care plans and reported to supervisors
• Worked as part of a team to support clients
• Completed training courses and maintained certifications
Entry-Level Community Support Worker Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, focus on any experience that demonstrates your people skills, reliability, and commitment to helping others. This might include volunteer work, customer service roles, healthcare assistant positions, or personal experiences that have prepared you for support work.
Support Worker (Casual) | Community Care Network, Adelaide | 2023 – Present
• Provide respite support to 6 families caring for children with autism and intellectual disabilities
• Assist children and young people with recreational activities, social skills development, and community outings
• Support families by providing temporary care allowing parents to attend appointments and maintain work commitments
• Implement individualised activity plans focusing on sensory regulation and communication skill development
• Collaborate with parents and disability support coordinators to ensure consistent approaches to behaviour guidance
• Complete detailed shift reports and maintain accurate records of activities and any incidents or concerns
Recent Graduate | Various Volunteer Roles | 2023 – Present
• Completed Certificate III in Individual Support
• Did some volunteer work helping people in the community
• Good at working with people and helping solve problems
• Looking for first paid role in community services
• Available for all shifts and willing to learn
• Passionate about helping others and making a difference
How to Write the Education Section for your Community Support Worker Resume
Education is particularly important for community support worker roles as formal qualifications demonstrate your understanding of person-centred approaches, duty of care, and professional standards. Australian employers typically require Certificate III or IV qualifications in relevant community services fields.
Include all relevant community services qualifications, healthcare certifications, and ongoing professional development. If you’re new to the field, expand this section to include relevant coursework, practical placements, or projects that demonstrate your understanding of support work principles.
Don’t overlook additional training in areas like mental health, autism support, or specific cultural competencies that enhance your ability to work with diverse client groups.
Community Support Worker Resume Example [Education]
Education & Training
Certificate IV in Disability Support | Melbourne Polytechnic | 2022
Specialisation: Individual Support and Community Participation
Practical Placement: 120 hours across residential and community support settings
Key Units: Person-Centred Approaches, Behaviour Support, Legal and Ethical Frameworks
Certificate III in Individual Support | Box Hill Institute | 2021
Specialisation: Disability and Home and Community Care
Work Placement: 80 hours with local disability service provider
Achievement: Received student excellence award for outstanding practical skills
How to Write the Skills Section for your Community Support Worker Resume
The skills section for community support workers should demonstrate both practical support capabilities and the interpersonal qualities that make you effective in building relationships and providing person-centred care. Balance technical competencies with soft skills that show your ability to work compassionately and professionally with vulnerable people. Aim for 8-12 skills that directly relate to support work.
Focus on skills that show you understand person-centred approaches, can maintain professional boundaries, handle challenging situations, and contribute to positive client outcomes while working within appropriate frameworks and standards.
Community Support Worker Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Person-Centred Support Planning & Implementation
• NDIS Framework Knowledge & Documentation
• Personal Care & Activities of Daily Living Support
• Medication Management & Administration
• Behaviour Support Plan Implementation
• Risk Assessment & Safety Management
• Incident Reporting & Documentation
• First Aid & Emergency Response
• Manual Handling & Mobility Assistance
• Electronic Case Management Systems
• Community Resource Navigation
• Infection Prevention & Control
Community Support Worker Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Empathy & Compassionate Communication
• Active Listening & Emotional Support
• Cultural Competency & Sensitivity
• Patience & Resilience
• Professional Boundary Setting
• Crisis De-escalation & Conflict Resolution
• Team Collaboration & Communication
• Advocacy & Rights-Based Approaches
• Adaptability & Flexibility
• Stress Management & Self-Care
• Non-Judgmental Attitude
• Motivational Support & Encouragement
How to pick the best Community Support Worker skills:
1. Review the job description carefully to identify both technical requirements and personal qualities valued by the specific employer
2. Match client populations by highlighting skills relevant to the disabilities, conditions, or age groups the service supports
3. Balance practical and interpersonal skills to show you can handle both hands-on care and relationship building
4. Include framework knowledge such as NDIS, person-centred approaches, or trauma-informed care as relevant
5. Highlight compliance skills including documentation, incident reporting, and quality standards understanding
6. Emphasise communication abilities that are essential for working with clients, families, and professional teams
Community Support Worker Resume Examples [Skills]
Core Support Competencies
• Person-Centred Care: Developed and implemented individualised support plans for 20+ clients with 95% goal achievement rate
• Behaviour Support: Successfully managed challenging behaviours using positive behaviour support strategies with 80% reduction in incidents
• Community Inclusion: Facilitated social and recreational activities resulting in improved quality of life outcomes for participants
• Professional Documentation: Maintained accurate client records and incident reports with 100% compliance during quality audits
• Crisis Management: Provided calm, professional response to emergency situations with zero serious incidents over 3-year period
• Collaborative Care: Worked effectively with multidisciplinary teams including healthcare professionals, families, and case managers
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Community Support Worker Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your community support worker resume by demonstrating your commitment to professional development, community engagement, and the diverse skills that make you effective in supporting vulnerable populations. These sections show your dedication to continuous learning and understanding of broader social issues.
Current Certifications: Working with Children Checks, First Aid, CPR, and specialised training certificates are often mandatory and show your commitment to maintaining current qualifications.
Professional Development: Recent training in areas like trauma-informed care, autism support, mental health awareness, or cultural competency demonstrates ongoing skill development.
Volunteer Work: Community service, advocacy work, or volunteer roles with vulnerable populations show your genuine commitment to helping others beyond paid employment.
Languages: Additional languages can be extremely valuable for supporting diverse communities and clients from different cultural backgrounds.
Personal Interests: Activities that demonstrate empathy, patience, or community connection can be relevant for support work roles when they show relevant character traits.
Awards & Recognition: Client feedback, service awards, or peer recognition demonstrate the quality of your support work and professional relationships.
Community Support Worker Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Current Certifications & Compliance
• Working with Children Check (NSW) – Valid until 2027
• NDIS Worker Screening Check – Current
• First Aid & CPR Certification – St John Ambulance (2023)
• Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health First Aid Australia (2023)
Specialised Training
• Positive Behaviour Support Strategies – Autism Spectrum Australia (2023)
• Trauma-Informed Care Approaches – Australian Childhood Foundation (2022)
• Cultural Competency in Disability Support – ECCV (2023)
• Suicide Prevention & Crisis Response – LivingWorks ASIST (2022)
Community Engagement
• Volunteer Support Worker – Ronald McDonald House (2020-Present)
• Peer Support Group Facilitator – Mental Health Australia (2021-2022)
• Community Garden Coordinator – Local Disability Day Programme (2022-Present)
Languages
• English (Native)
• Mandarin (Conversational)
• Auslan (Basic Level)
Additional Information
• Enjoys helping people and making a difference
• Good at listening and being patient with others
• Available for all shifts including weekends and nights
• Has reliable transport and clean driving record
• Likes working as part of a team
• Committed to providing quality care and support
Tip: Focus on qualifications, training, and experiences that directly enhance your ability to provide quality support to clients. Avoid generic statements and instead highlight specific skills, certifications, or experiences that demonstrate your competence and commitment to the community services sector.
How to write a Community Support Worker Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your professional summary is crucial for community support worker positions because it immediately demonstrates your understanding of person-centred care principles and your genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable people. This 3-4 sentence section should highlight your practical experience, key competencies, and the compassionate approach that makes you effective in support work.
• Lead with your experience level and the types of clients or settings you’ve worked in
• Quantify your impact with client numbers, satisfaction rates, or positive outcomes you’ve supported
• Highlight key competencies relevant to the specific role such as NDIS knowledge, behaviour support, or crisis intervention
• Include personal qualities that make you effective in building relationships and providing compassionate care
• Mention relevant certifications or compliance requirements you hold
Community Support Worker Resume Summary Examples
Professional Summary
Dedicated Community Support Worker with 6+ years of experience providing person-centred support to individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, and complex support needs across residential and community settings. Successfully supported 40+ clients in achieving independence goals while maintaining 96% client satisfaction rating through compassionate, culturally sensitive approach to care. Experienced in NDIS framework implementation, behaviour support strategies, and crisis intervention with current First Aid, Working with Children Check, and Mental Health First Aid certifications.
Professional Summary
Caring person who enjoys helping others and wants to work in community services. I have completed some training and am looking for a role where I can make a difference in people’s lives. I am reliable, hardworking, and good with people from different backgrounds. Seeking an opportunity to use my skills in a support worker position.
For entry-level community support worker positions, focus on relevant education, any volunteer experience, transferable skills from other roles, and personal qualities that demonstrate your suitability for support work.
Entry-Level Community Support Worker Resume Summary Examples
Professional Summary
Newly qualified Community Support Worker with Certificate IV in Disability Support and practical placement experience supporting individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Demonstrated ability to build rapport with clients and implement person-centred approaches during 120-hour clinical placement, receiving commendation for empathetic communication and professional approach. Strong foundation in NDIS principles, behaviour support strategies, and documentation requirements with genuine passion for empowering people to achieve their goals and live independently.
Objective
Recent community services graduate seeking entry-level support worker position to begin career helping people with disabilities. I have completed required qualifications and am eager to apply my knowledge in practical setting. Looking for opportunity to learn and develop skills while contributing to positive outcomes for clients.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Community Support Worker Resume
Your LinkedIn profile can be valuable for community support worker roles as it demonstrates your professional approach to support work and your engagement with the community services sector. While not all community services employers use LinkedIn extensively, having a professional online presence shows your commitment to maintaining professional standards and connecting with the broader support community.
Community support workers are increasingly expected to understand digital communication and maintain appropriate professional boundaries online, so your LinkedIn presence should reflect these competencies while highlighting your passion for supporting others.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Community Support Workers
Your LinkedIn headline should clearly communicate your support work expertise and the populations you serve. Make it warm and professional while highlighting your key skills and approach to client support.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Community Support Worker | NDIS Specialist | Empowering People with Disabilities to Live Independently”
• “Disability Support Worker | Person-Centred Care Advocate | Mental Health & Autism Support Specialist”
• “Community Support Professional | Building Inclusive Communities | Trauma-Informed Care Practitioner”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Community Support Worker at ABC Services”
• “Support Worker Looking for New Opportunities”
• “Disability Worker | Helping People”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be more personal and include your motivation for entering community support work, your philosophy about supporting others, and what you find rewarding about the role. Share appropriate stories about positive client outcomes or meaningful moments in your support work while maintaining confidentiality.
Write in first person and include examples of how you’ve made a difference in people’s lives, challenges you’ve helped clients overcome, or innovations you’ve contributed to support delivery while always respecting client privacy and professional boundaries.
Showcasing Community Support Worker Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn allows you to provide more context about your support work achievements while maintaining appropriate confidentiality about client details. For each role, consider including:
• Types of support provided and client populations served (without identifying individuals)
• Professional development you’ve pursued and how it’s enhanced your support practice
• Collaborative approaches you’ve used with families, healthcare teams, and other professionals
• Quality improvements you’ve contributed to or innovations in support delivery
• Community engagement activities you’ve facilitated or advocacy work you’ve undertaken
Always maintain client confidentiality and focus on your professional growth, skills development, and contributions to service quality rather than specific client details.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Community Support Workers
Select LinkedIn skills that reflect your support work competencies and the personal qualities that make you effective in building relationships with clients. Focus on skills that:
• Demonstrate person-centred approaches and understanding of disability rights and empowerment
• Show practical support capabilities across different client needs and support settings
• Reflect current frameworks like NDIS, trauma-informed care, and positive behaviour support
• Include collaborative skills essential for working with multidisciplinary teams and families
Seek endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals who can speak to your support work capabilities while maintaining appropriate boundaries about client information.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Community Support Workers
Professional Networks: Connect with other community support workers, disability advocates, and professionals in the sector. Follow organisations like National Disability Services and community services peak bodies for industry updates.
Sector Engagement: Share appropriate content about disability rights, person-centred approaches, or community inclusion initiatives while maintaining professional boundaries and client confidentiality.
Professional Development: Highlight completion of training courses, conference attendance, or certifications that demonstrate your commitment to improving your support practice.
Advocacy Awareness: Engage with content about disability rights, social inclusion, and community services policy while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Cultural Competency: Demonstrate awareness of diverse communities and inclusive practices that are essential in modern community support work.
Your community support worker resume is the foundation for securing meaningful employment where you can make a real difference in people’s lives. Complement your resume with a heartfelt cover letter that explains your motivation for support work and demonstrates your understanding of the specific needs of the client population the service supports.
Stay current with evolving support practices, policy changes affecting disability services, and new approaches to person-centred care. Regular resume updates should reflect new certifications, training completions, and expanded experience with different client groups or support settings. The community services sector continues to evolve with increasing focus on choice and control, individualised funding, and rights-based approaches to support.
Consider pursuing additional qualifications through TAFE institutions or professional development through organisations like National Disability Services. Engage with peak bodies and advocacy organisations to stay informed about best practices and sector developments.
Your community support worker resume represents your commitment to improving lives, promoting independence, and building inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. With the comprehensive guidance and examples provided in this guide, you’re prepared to create a resume that showcases your compassion, competence, and dedication to person-centred support. The community services sector needs skilled, empathetic professionals who understand that meaningful support empowers people to live their best lives – and your thoughtfully crafted resume will help you demonstrate your readiness to provide that life-changing support to those who need it most.
