A psychology degree provides a deep understanding of human development and behaviour, making you qualified to address the complex emotional elements of child and family services. You will be able to identify underlying issues, provide effective counselling, and develop strategies to foster healthy family interactions that support families through challenging circumstances.
Explore career opportunities in child and family psychology, including types of roles and potential employers, and the responsibilities, skills and qualifications for each role.
Child and family support workers provide support, information and advocacy to children, young people, families, and others facing hardship or disadvantage. They address a range of circumstances, from developmental delays and disability to at-risk situations such as criminal activitiy, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, family violence and housing insecurity. They also assist those who need educational or financial support and help with parenting or early childhood issues.
Child and family support workers collaborate with health and social services to address complex issues affecting children and families. They offer counselling, create targeted interventions, and develop case management plans. They establish referral pathways to coordinate services for at-risk children and families. A key part of their role is to fulfill mandatory reporting requirements.
Child and family support workers possess knowledge of a range of assessment and counselling skills and referral services.
They are empathic, with well-developed communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in an inclusive manner with children and young people.
Working within a legal and ethical framework, psychologists follow the principles of ethical decision-making and ensure that of a highly confidential nature.
Ideally for this role, you'll have an undergraduate qualification in psychology, social work or a related field. Undergraduate units in counselling, such as Applied Counselling Skills (Introductory) and Applied Counselling Skills (Intermediate) are highly recommended. You will also need a Working with Children Check, Police Check and first aid certificate. Experience volunteering with a community organisation is highly recommended.
Employers include community-based services, referral services, telephone or online counselling services, larger not-for-profits, community health services, and resource centres. These include Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service, Orygen Specialist Program and Wesley Mission Victoria. Government agencies such as the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing also employ child and family support workers.
Youth services and programs are widespread and varied across a range of sectors, including education, health, mental health, housing, family and children's services, substance abuse, justice, and sport and recreation. However, they all address the needs of youth – particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk.
Youth workers provide counselling to help young people reach their full potential. Community-based peer support groups and outreach and development initiatives are often run by youth workers, as are youth helplines. They work with migrant and refugee youth to aid their settlement into Australia. They support at-risk youth to avoid the justice system by setting positive life goals. For youth in the criminal or social services systems, they work to improve custodial experiences and often provide supervision in residential programs.
Youth workers need to have a good knowledge of community development principles and practice.
Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and network with a wide range of stakeholders are a must have.
Experience in working with specific youth cohorts, and organising and facilitating events such as forums, workshops is beneficial when searching for a job.
Ideally for this role, you'll have an undergraduate qualification in psychology, social work or a related field. Undergraduate units in counselling, such as Applied Counselling Skills (Introductory) and Applied Counselling Skills (Intermediate) are highly recommended. You will also need a Working with Children Check, Police Check and first aid certificate. Experience volunteering with a community organisation is highly recommended.
Employers in this area are typically not-for-profit organisations or community-based organisations. They include community groups and local councils. Some major employers are Kids Helpline, Headspace, MacKillop Family Services, Mission Australia and Orygen Specialist Program.
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing also employs youth workers.
There’s a range of services designed to help those experiencing domestic/family violence – primarily for women and children. Services might include telephone counselling, referral to services such as emergency accommodation or crisis counselling, supporting women and children to remain at home or find temporary shelter, and advocacy for support services, the police and the criminal justice systems.
Domestic violence workers provide comprehensive support for affected individuals and families. To mitigate harm, they develop risk assessments and safety plans. The run men’s behavioural programs. They liaise with police, legal services and other agencies, fulfilling mandatory reporting requirements and advocate on behalf of clients. Their work also involves counselling, facilitating programs for children affected by violence and offering parenting support.
Domestic violence workers require empathy and well-developed communication skills to work with staff, clients, other agencies and the public
They need effective needs assessment and counselling skills and a good understanding of crisis intervention and support responses.
They need to understand the issues stemming from family violence, including homelessness and abuse and stay up to date with family violence legislation.
Experience volunteering in a community organisation can provide beneficial experience.
Ideally for this role, you'll have an undergraduate qualification in psychology, social work or a related field. Undergraduate units in counselling, such as Applied Counselling Skills (Introductory) and Applied Counselling Skills (Intermediate) are highly recommended. You will also need a Working with Children Check, Police Check and first aid certificate. Experience volunteering with a community organisation is highly recommended.
Many community-based organisations and not-for-profits provide domestic and family violence services and referrals, including telephone or online counselling services. These include Djirra, InTouch, Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service, MacKillop Family Services and The Orange Door.
The Department of Health and Human Services also employs people in these roles.
Psychology professionals in family and youth fields are crucial to enhancing enhancing people's lives by providing critical supports.
These invaluable positions not only address individual mental health needs but also contribute to the development of supportive environments and resources that promote mental wellness and resilience within communities.
Find out more about studying psychology and mental health at Deakin.
