Are you an advocate at heart? If you want to take your passions and give them purpose, one of these careers in advocacy could be perfect for you.

Advocates go by many titles and work across many fields to improve the health and well-being of people and animals in need. They help people understand their rights and provide guidance and resources to solve problems. Depending on their career, these professionals conduct research, develop policies, write grants and represent their clients in court proceedings.

If you want a career in advocacy, one that’s dedicated to helping others, consider these ten careers that make a real difference!

1. Guidance Counsellor

A supportive school environment is crucial for young people. A guidance counsellor advocates for children from prep to year 12, supporting their academic, social and emotional development. Their duties include:

• Delivering education and training to school staff
• Assessing academic, social and behavioural issues
• Providing recommendations and support.

2. Mental Health Advocate

Mental health advocates work in various settings, such as community clinics, schools, hospitals and addiction treatment clinics. They support people in navigating their condition and its impact on school, work and relationships. Their duties include:

• Guiding treatment options
• Offering emotional support
• Recommending and accessing resources useful for their recovery.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the mental health industry, take a look at our professional development courses in Psychology, Counselling and Mental Health.

3. Alcohol and Drugs Support Worker

Alcohol and Drugs Support Workers are an integral part of the community services industry, providing help for those recovering from addiction. They are often the first responders for those struggling with addiction. The duties of an alcohol and drugs support worker include:

• Helping clients overcome cravings and deal with withdrawal
• Finding appropriate treatment facilities
• Facilitating group and individual counselling sessions
• Creating recovery plans based on assessments
• Education individuals, groups and professionals on addiction and advocating in the community

4. Family Social Worker

Family social workers are allied health professionals who help families overcome difficult times, such as homelessness, domestic violence or mental health issues. They provide counselling, education and referrals to other helpful services. The duties of a family social worker include the following:

• Work with other professionals to develop treatment plans
• Coordinate services provided by their department – or other organisations
• Research service available to families in the community
• Help clients apply for assistance programs
• Monitor clients to ensure services are provided appropriately

5. Youth Worker

A youth worker is a profession underpinned by human rights and social justice. Youth workers help young people with personal, social and educational development in informal settings, such as faith-based groups, schools, colleges and community centres. They use educational and leisure approaches to engage young people ages 11 to 25. Duties of a youth worker include:

• Coordinate, organise and plan programs and social activities
• Carry out administrative tasks by recording young people’s activities
• Liaise with parents and community leaders
• Train new staff and volunteers to work with young people
• Advocate for young people when they are having difficulties with their family, community or the government
• Plan and assess education and employment programs

6. Community Service Worker

A community service worker is a public health professional responsible for helping those in a community receive appropriate care. They facilitate care to help community members to find support for their mental, physical and emotional health. Duties of a community service worker include:

• Help people access resources, including food, housing, quality care and health information
• Educate individuals on health conditions and how to improve their health and lifestyle
• Provide informal counselling, support and follow up
• Make home visits to older Australians, chronically ill patients, pregnant women and vulnerable people
• Create service plans and implement strategies to help improve the lives of community members

If you’re interested in careers in advocacy in the social and community health sector, take a look at our professional development courses in Community Services.

7. Grant Writer

A grant writer is a professional writer who specialises in writing grant proposals. They are advocates when involved in grant writing for non-profits and health research. They are responsible for writing and submitting proposals that secure grants, or funding, from governments and other funding organisations to advance health research or social enterprises. Duties of a grant writer include:

• Develop relationships with key stakeholders
• Conduct in-depth research, analysis and exploration to clarify opportunities and needs
• Write applications that display meticulous spelling and grammar and adhere to grant guidelines
• Research funding sources and prepare and submit letters, grant proposals and budgets to secure new and existing donors.

Learn how to write winning grants that get noticed with our Certificate of Grant Writing course.

8. Animal Welfare Advocate

If you’re an animal lover passionate about making a difference, turn your concern into a career! Animal welfare advocates maintain the health and well-being of various animals and can gain employment in zoos, research facilities, veterinary clinics, animal shelters (RSPCA) and wildlife charities. Duties of an animal welfare advocate include:

• Provide care and companionship to animals
• Offer rehabilitative services or medical care to injured and sick animals
• Identify and make recommendations for advocacy, campaign and education campaigns and activities
• Develop and review policies, legislation and other welfare initiatives to support animal welfare
• Contribute to the preparation of grant submissions

If you’re interested in an advocacy career in animal welfare, enrol in our Certificate of Animal Welfare to find your new direction!

If you want to become an advocate, take a look at our Certificate of Advocacy!  This professional development course will provide the knowledge and skills required to represent the interests of people who require advocacy services in the community and health sectors. You’ll learn how to negotiate outcomes and liaise with key people in the advocacy process.

If you want to learn more about our personal and professional development courses to pursue a career in advocacy, contact one of our friendly Course Consultants today via Live Chat or on 1300 76 2221.