what is a community worker

A community worker is an individual who works with families or social communities to help promote or restore the social functioning of a community. They work with clients to help them find the community services they need, such as addiction counseling, housing assistance, or employment opportunities. Community workers may be employed by government agencies, community centers, or health care organizations. They must promote social justice and maximize human potential while advocating for the rights of individuals and community groups. Some common job titles for community workers include youth worker, addictions worker, family service worker, mental health worker, or developmental service worker. To become a community worker, you typically need an associate degree in social work, human services, or a related field, although some employers prefer candidates with a bachelors degree. Experience is not always crucial for becoming a community worker, but it can be helpful to intern or volunteer with non-profit organizations or social service agencies to learn how to work with disadvantaged communities. Key skills for community workers include communication, note-taking, report writing, and presentation skills.