Family Support Worker
A Family Support Worker provides practical assistance, counselling, and coordination of services to families experiencing social, economic, or personal difficulties. In Australia, these workers operate within government departments and non-government community service organisations.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Consistent demand across both government and non-government sectors, with strong regional demand driven by rural and remote service provision needs.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- STSOLShort-Term Skilled Occupation List
Occupations eligible for shorter-term sponsored visas including Subclass 482 (short-term stream).
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- CWACWA
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Learn more →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | New South Wales | View nomination → |
| WA | Western Australia | View nomination → |
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
| TAS | Tasmania | View nomination → |
| NT | Northern Territory | View nomination → |
| ACT | Australian Capital Territory | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Assess family needs and develop support plans in consultation with clients
- Provide practical assistance with parenting, home management, and accessing community resources
- Liaise with government agencies, schools, and other service providers on behalf of families
- Monitor family progress and document case notes according to agency requirements
Skills required
- Case management and family support skills
- Knowledge of child protection legislation and mandatory reporting obligations
- Communication and interpersonal skills with diverse and vulnerable populations
- Cultural competency, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
Typical qualifications pathway
A Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services or Social Work is typical. CWA is the assessing authority for migration purposes.
Visa & occupation list information
This occupation appears on the STSOL and CSOL. Eligible Australian skilled visa pathways include subclasses 186, 190, 482, 491, and 494. State nominations are available from nominating states and territories. For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
anzsco.com.au is information-only. For personalised advice on your situation, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Scan with your phone to open an AI chat about this occupation — no agent, no affiliation, just info you can trust.