Am I eligible for membership?

Qualifications can be one of the following:

1. A Community Work Australia accredited qualification: Community Work Australia accredited diploma or higher course.

2. A relevant diploma or higher qualification: A diploma or higher qualification related to community services.

A relevant qualification is one which adequately prepares graduates to perform community work in Australia. It has a focus on providing community and human services and will typically cover:

• sociology; social, political, economic structures and function
• social policy, human development and function including psychological, physical and social aspects
• general and specialised welfare services and systems
• work with individuals, families, groups and communities
• communication, basic counselling and interpersonal skills
• additional subjects which could include child development, social justice, child protection, mental health, case management, group theory, drug and alcohol issues, crisis intervention, psychology, youth work, working with children and families, community development, juvenile justice, family violence.
  
  Please note:
• In instances where an applicant has used recognition of prior learning (RPL) to gain credit towards their qualification, Community Work Australia will accept a maximum of 40% RPL otherwise the qualification will not be recognised. Additionally, if an applicant has received RPL towards their qualification, Community Work Australia will require supporting documents issued by the education provider which clearly evidence how RPL was assessed and approved. If RPL was awarded on the basis of unsuitable work experience or study, Community Work Australia reserves the right not to accept the qualification for membership purposes.
• Some courses do not contain the breadth of core content required to prepare graduates for practice e.g., graduate certificates and graduate diplomas. These qualifications must follow a relevant undergraduate or additional related qualification, otherwise they will not be considered sufficient.
• Community Work Australia will not accept qualifications which are unduly short. Unduly short qualifications do not provide students with sufficient time to gain the required skills and knowledge.

Employment in the industry is defined as paid employment which involves the provision of direct service to clients at an individual, group, family, or community level. Only post-qualification employment will be considered and must be at an appropriate skill level.

1. Community Work Australia accredited qualification: Applicants who have a Community Work Australia accredited qualification are deemed to have sufficient industry experience through their field placement requirements. 

2. Relevant diploma or higher: Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-qualification industry experience.

Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge and skills are up to date in one of the following ways:

• holding a qualification that is less than 4 years old
• a minimum of least 3 months full time (or part-time equivalent) employment in a relevant current role at the required skill level
• at least 6 months relevant employment at the required skill level within the last 18 months

To be eligible for professional membership you must be an Australian resident or an Australian citizen

• Are currently enrolled in a Community Work Australia accredited course.
• Have at least 6 months of your course left
• Agree to adhere to our Code of Ethics