Community and Personal Service Workers support and care for others. Community and Personal Service workers from other countries may be eligible to apply for a skilled migration visa to enter Australia.

Who are Community and Personal Service Workers?

Community and Personal Service Workers assist Health Professionals to deliver patient treatment, care and support. They work to support individuals in the community though services related to aged care and childcare, education support, hospitality, defence, policing and emergency services, security, travel and tourism, fitness, sports and personal services.

What tasks can Community and Personal Services workers do?

• Providing care and support to people who require medical, nursing, emergency or health care support
• Delivering social, leisure and recreational support for people who need assistance to participate in the community
• Providing advice, advocacy or information about social welfare, housing, emotional, financial or other personal and welfare matters
• Supporting children and young people to enjoy education and recreational programs and support their emotional and physical development
• Providing care, guidance, education and support to older people, people with disability and children in residential care facilities
• Saving and selling foods and drinks in venues, cafes and restaurants, supervising staff in hotels, carrying luggage or guiding guests
• Participating in military services and defence sector support
• Providing security services and patrolling or monitoring people and property
• Delivering driving lessons, arranging funerals, and organising travel services such as flights, accommodation and transport
• Supporting groups and individuals with sporting and health goals, and to participate in competitions. 

What are the ANZSCO Community and Personal Service Workers categories? 

There are different types of Community and Personal Services roles outlined in the ANZSCO. These include:

• Health and Welfare Support Workers (41) who help professionals to provide patient care in hospitals, nursing homes and other health and community-based care facilities, and provide support, information and advice to clients on a range of social welfare matters.
• Carers and Aides (42) who supervise children, older people and people with disability, including Child Carers (421), Education Aides (422) and Personal Carers and Assistants (423).
• Hospitality Workers (43) who serve food and beverages to patrons in casinos, hotels, bars and cafes.
• Protective Service Workers (44) who help keep our communities safe by providing services to maintain public order, and protect property. This includes through defence, firefighting, police, custodial or other security services, including Prison and Security Officers (442).
• Sports and Personal Service Workers (45) who support people to be involved in sports and fitness opportunities, as well as arranging travel or tourism advice. This category includes Personal Service and Travel Workers (451) which includes Driver Trainers and Funeral Service providers, as well as Sports and Fitness Workers (452).

Related professions on the Australian skilled occupation list include: Community Services Worker, Disabilities Services Officer, Registered Nurse (Community Health), Residential Care Officer, Welfare Worker and Youth Worker.

What visas can Community Service Workers apply for?

Dependent on areas of specialisation, visa categories for Community Service Workers can include: 

• 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
• 187 – Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
• 189 – Skilled Independent (subclass 189) – Points-Tested
• 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
• 407 – Training visa (subclass 407)
• 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) – Medium Term Stream
• 485 – Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) – Graduate Work
• 489 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) – Family sponsored
• 489 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) – State or Territory nominated
• 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) State or Territory nominated
• 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family Sponsored
• 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) – Employer sponsored stream

What qualifications do Community and Personal Service Workers need?

• AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2); or
• AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3); or
• AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4); or
• AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education (ANZSCO Skill Level 5)

Community Services Worker Case study

Malina, from Nepal was dedicated to making a positive impact in the community and saw an opportunity to further her career in a regional setting. After working as a nurse in Nepal, Malina wanted to explore visa options that were specifically designed to encourage skilled workers to settle and work in regional Australia. After reviewing her qualifications and experience, Jameson Law identified the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa as a suitable pathway for her to pursue employment in a regional area. Malina began the process by securing a job offer from an employer in regional Australia who was willing to sponsor her for the RSMS visa. This involved the employer demonstrating that the position was genuine, full-time, and in high demand in the region. 

Additionally, the employer was required to meet specific requirements to become an approved sponsor and nominate Malina for the visa. Once the nomination was approved, Malina underwent a skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority to validate her qualifications and work experience in the field. We ensured that all required documentation and evidence were meticulously prepared to meet the assessment criteria.

 As part of the visa application process, Malina had to provide evidence of her English language proficiency and undergo a health examination. We worked together to compile all the necessary documentation, including her educational qualifications, work history, and other supporting evidence to demonstrate her suitability for the RSMS visa. Following the thorough preparation of her visa application, Malina submitted her application and awaited the outcome. 

Malina was pleased to hear that her visa application was approved, and she was granted the RSMS visa, allowing her to work and live in regional Australia. This case highlights the importance of understanding visa pathways specific to regional areas and the value of thorough preparation in the application process.

Migration advice for Community Services Workers

Australian companies may be looking for Community Services Workers from overseas. If you are an experienced Community practitioner, and would like to work in Australia, the first thing to do is to find a registered Immigration Agent to help you navigate this complex process. The team at Jameson Law can guide you through the process of migration application and provide advice about challenges and opportunities. 

We will work closely with you through the whole process, and keep you informed about documentation and testing that might be required. All our migration lawyers are also registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority.