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The ASU is the largest union of workers in the social and community services (SACS) sector.
The ASU covers workers in what is commonly termed the "non-government social and community services industry". The term non-government can be misleading as most organisations or services receive funding from the government; however, workers are not employed by the government. Workers are generally employed by community based management committees, boards or collectives.
These employers administer government funds and oversee the management of an organisation or service.
Members of the ASU work in services such as: youth refuges, women's refuges, family support services, disability services, community legal centres, employment and training services, CETSS services like Job Futures, Aboriginal organisations, community or neighbourhood centres, family day care centres, community transport services, home and community care services, environmental organisations, aged pensioners and superannuants associating community sector peak bodies, migrant or ethnic services and aid agencies.
SACS members are employed under a range of titles, including:
- Advocate
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- Operations Manager
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- Alternate Care Worker
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- Policy analyst
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- Case manager
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- Professional Social Worker
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- Caseworker
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- Program manager
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- Clerical & Administrative Worker
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- Project Worker/Officer
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- Community Development Worker
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- Recreation Worker
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- Community educator
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- Referral and Liaison Officer
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- Counselor
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- Refuge Worker
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- Development Support Worker
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- Resource Worker
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- Disability Support Worker
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- Respite Care Coordinator
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- Employment consultant
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- Service manager
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- Family Support Worker
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- Shared care Coordinator
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- Family Therapist
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- Social educator
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- Financial Counsellor
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- Social Planner
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- Group Worker
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- Solicitor
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- Indigenous Child Protection Worker
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- Vocational educator
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- Indigenous Housing Worker
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- Welfare Worker
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- Job Support Worker
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- Youth Worker
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- Mediator
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Large employers in the SACS industry include the Catholic Church (including St Vincent de Paul), Anglicare, The Smith Family, Mission Australia, Uniting Church, Relationships Australia, Amnesty International, Oxfam, ACF and Greenpeace.
The ASU launched a discussion paper "Building Social Inclusion in Australia - priorities for the social and community services sector workforce". Check out the related news item "ASU launches social inclusion discussion paper".
Arising from the discussion paper, the ASU surveyed SACS workers in mid 2007 to get your views on some key issues in the sector.
The results of the survey can be found in the ASU's report "Building Social Inclusion in Australia - priorities for the social and community services sector workforce: recommendations for stronger social and community services". Check out the related news item "ASU report shows SACS industry crisis looming".
There are a range of resources available for our members in the SACS industry. Despite the recent Federal industrial relations changes, various State and Territory SACS and other awards remain relevant to the industry.
Check out the ASU SACS and other awards here.
The ASU produces specific materials for our members in the SACS industry, and we regularly produce newsletters. Check out the latest newsletters and bulletins here.
A very useful Best Practice Guide to Family and Life Balance has been produced by the Victorian Branch (August 2006), check this out here.
The ASU is an active supporter of the "Who on earth cares?" campaign. The ASU is an official "organisation that cares". Read our news item about this campaign or visit the "Who on earth cares?" campaign website directly. This campaign is an initiative of the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) whose workers are members of the ASU.
The ASU believes that training and skills development are very important for our members in the SACS industry.
If you would like to learn more about a career in community services check out this website: http://communityactivecareers.com.au/index.cfm?objid=1
The ASU participates in Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Boards (ITABS) in most states (click here for links).
Nationally, the ASU is also represented on the board of the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CSHISC) by Assistant National Secretary Linda White.
The Community Services Training Package (CHCO2) is under review by the CSHISC, for more information about the process of review, check out the CSHISC webpage here, for up to date information.
Online information about joining the ASU is available here.
Linda White
Assistant National Secretary
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