Community worker

Community workers help local residents develop the skills they need to influence and improve their quality of life. A community worker will work with individuals, families or whole communities, providing leadership, setting goals for improvement, and taking action.

Community workers are usually employed by specialised voluntary organisations focusing either on specific groups (such as the homeless, the long-term unemployed, families with young children or ethnic minorities) or on particular concerns (such as public transport, mental health or drugs action).

Did you know?
If you become a community worker, you could take the first steps to running your own charity by going on one of the leadership courses that are becoming increasingly available in the voluntary and charity sector.

Facts and Figures

  • Starting salary:

    Around £14,000 - £18,000

  • Senior level salary:

    Up to £28,000 for department managers and £49,000 for directors

  • Education:

    Graduates not actively recruited. Though a degree in youth and community work, or a foundation degree that confers a recognised youth work qualification, are useful.

  • Skills:

    Volunteering is a good way to develop your skills and demonstrate your commitment. Becoming an active member of a charity you’d like to get involved in can help you understand it better. The skills needed for work in the voluntary sector include being able to deal with people at all levels, communicate effectively, and manage projects. At a more senior level it is important to be able to think strategically.

  • Likely employer type:

    Charities, Sports and recreation groups and other non-profit organisations, including social enterprises

  • Opportunities:

    The demand for community workers remains consistent. Jobs are advertised frequently in the local and national press.

  • Number of professionals:

    There are between 6,000 and 8,000 community workers in the UK.

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