Welfare Worker (ANZSCO 272613)
Updated
What a Welfare Worker does
Assists individuals, families and groups with social, emotional or financial difficulties to improve quality of life, by educating and supporting them and working towards change in their social environment.
- Also called
- Welfare Case Worker
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 272613
- Skill level
- 1Bachelor degree or higher
- Assessing authority
- Community Work Australia (ACWA)
- National shortage
- No shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedVia STSOLEligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedVia STSOL and ROLEligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand, Core Skills streamNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, Direct Entry streamNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Main tasks
- researching and analysing community issues, needs and problems
- developing, evaluating and maintaining community resources and programs
- evaluating data and writing reports such as submissions requesting funding for continuing programs and new projects
- identifying issues of local need, concerns and aspirations through community consultation
- organising local sporting, cultural and recreational events and activities such as community functions, hobby classes, community arts projects and sporting competitions
- providing support while exploring alternatives with clients who experience difficulties such as marital problems, unemployment, illness and drug abuse
- assessing risks and providing intensive short-term crisis counselling for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, disasters and other crises
- assisting to establish and administer neighbourhood houses, community groups, employment training programs and other services
Shortage by state
- NationalNo shortage
- ACTNo shortage
- NSWNo shortage
- NTShortage
- QLDNo shortage
- SANo shortage
- TASNo shortage
- VICRegional shortage
- WANo shortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Welfare Worker do?
Assists individuals, families and groups with social, emotional or financial difficulties to improve quality of life, by educating and supporting them and working towards change in their social environment. Also called: Welfare Case Worker. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Welfare Worker on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Welfare Worker (ANZSCO 272613) is on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 190, 491 and 494 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Welfare Worker?
272613. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Welfare Worker migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Welfare Worker for the Subclass 190, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Who assesses Welfare Worker for an Australian visa?
Community Work Australia (ACWA), the skills assessing authority listed for 272613.
Is Welfare Worker in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "No shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.