Community and social services graduate program

Your next step to a job that makes a difference.

Graduate applications for the Community and Social Services Graduate Program are closed.

The next graduate application round will open mid-2026.

The nomination pathway is open until March 2026.

Are you a recent graduate who works in the sector? You may be eligible to apply through the nomination pathway. This pathway is for graduates who currently work in the sector and have been in their role for less than 12 months.

More information is at the ‘Nomination pathway’ section on this page.

Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of Victorians?

We’re looking for the next generation of community service workers. Step into your career with the Community and Social Services Graduate Program.

About the program

The Community and Social Services Graduate Program is a 12-month program for new practitioners in the sector.

We support you to build skills and knowledge through professional development and on-the-job experience. The program will help you work with confidence and meet people across community and social services.

Develop a rewarding career by choosing a graduate year that suits your interests, skills and goals.

The program includes organisations across this sector, including:

family violence services
sexual assault services
child and family services
child protection
home-based or residential out-of-home care services
disability services
social or community housing
homelessness services
alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in community services settings
any of the above services provided by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
other community services funded by government.

The Community and Social Services Graduate Program is for people who have graduated within the last 2 years from a course related to community and social services. This could be at a Diploma, Bachelor or Master level.
Recent graduates may be:
- Interested in a role in community services
  - This includes people seeking their first role in the community and social services sector after completing their qualification.
- New employees in the community and social services sector. This includes people who:
  - started work in community and social services in the past 12 months
  - have an employer who is interested in participating in the graduate program.
All successful applicants in the Community and Social Services Graduate Program will take part in a 12-month learning and development opportunity. This will equip you with the skills and confidence to succeed in your new role.
The program includes:
- a cross-sector orientation to build your understanding of the service system in practice
- evidence-based practices to boost your learning
- networking with fellow graduates across the sector.
Graduates build skills and knowledge through learning and development across 2 levels:
- on the job: provided by your employer or sector
- across the sector: through a cross-sector program.
If you are a graduate who has not yet secured a job, we will connect you with participating employers. Graduates who move to take up a role in a rural or regional area will be supported to relocate.
Learning series
Graduates will do a 4-part learning series across the year. The series aims to boost professional growth and development in key learning areas.
The 4 topics are:
- learning through reflective practice
- sustaining wellbeing: proactive approaches for practitioners
- cultural elements: elevating culturally competent practice
- putting ‘person-centred’ into practice.
Community and social services is one of Victoria’s fastest growing sectors. A career in the sector can lead to many rewarding roles, which can:
- make a positive difference in the lives of Victorians
- put your knowledge and training into practice in ways that really matter
- help you be part of Victoria’s social reforms in family violence, disability, children and families, homelessness, social housing and more.
Learn more about working in the community and social services sector on the Jobs that matter web page.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for the Community and Social Services Graduate Program, you must:

have graduated in the last 2 years from a related course in community and social services.
Relevant studies include but are not limited to:
- Diploma of Community Services (AQF5)
- Bachelor of Social Work (AQF7)
- Graduate Certificate in Family Violence (AQF8)
- Master of Social Work (AQF9).
be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident
not be on a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485)
be able to attend an assessment centre, in-person or online
be willing to do required pre-employment safety screening checks, such as a police record check and working with children check
be available to take part in the program for 12 months starting April 2026.

We will accept international qualifications if an assessing authority (Australian Association of Social Workers or Australian Community Workers Association) has confirmed recognition and equivalency of the qualification.

How to apply

There are 2 pathways to the Community and Social Services Graduate Program:

graduate application vacancy pathway: for graduates who are not working in the sector
nomination pathway: for graduates who currently work in the sector and have been in their role for less than 12 months.

Read the below information to find out what you need to do to apply and what happens at each step.

Graduate application vacancy pathway

This pathway is for graduates who are not working in the sector.

Graduate applications for round 4 of the Community and Social Services Graduate Program closed at 11:59 pm on Sunday 21 December 2025.

The next graduate application round is planned to open in mid-2026.

If you are considering applying for future rounds of the program, below is information on the application process.

In your application, you will outline:
- who you are
- what you’ve studied
- your sector preference.
You will need:
- a resume
- qualification transcript, or if yet to graduate an unofficial transcript and date you will finish
- proof of eligibility to work in Australia.
The Graduate Resource Centre will invite eligible graduates to an assessment centre. These are held in person in Melbourne or on Teams as a virtual assessment centre. We encourage you to attend one in person, if possible.
The assessment centre includes:
- group activities
- individual role play activity
- meeting and chatting to the Graduate Resource Centre and recruitment staff.
After the assessment centre, the Graduate Resource Centre will shortlist eligible graduates for roles in the sector.
If you are shortlisted for a role, you may be invited to an interview with the hiring organisation.
Hiring organisations may:
- check your references
- do pre-employment checks
- send you paperwork to complete.
You will be able to start in your new role as soon as your hiring organisation suggests. This could be before the graduate program starts.

Nomination pathway

This pathway is for graduates who currently work in the sector and have been in their role for less than 12 months.

Your employer has until March 2026 to nominate you for the program.

Your organisation will apply for you via the employer portal.
We will ask them to provide the following details for your nomination in the program:
- your current role accountabilities
- your applicable award and conditions
- your qualification
- location.
The Graduate Resource Centre will receive this nomination and assess your eligibility. They will then confirm your nomination with your employer.