Youth Worker

What is a Youth Worker?

Youth workers work with and support young people, individually or in groups, to deal with social, emotional or financial problems.

Roles of a Youth Worker

• Provide information about community services and resources available for young people
• Plan, conduct and evaluate programs for young people, such as employment and training, education, self-development, accommodation, welfare and counselling
• Plan and organise activities including sports, handicrafts, dancing, drama, hiking, bushwalking and holiday camps
• Attend meetings, conferences and training sessions
• Evaluate data and write reports and submissions requesting funding for continuing programs and new projects
• Assist in developing policy affecting young people
• Establish and supervise youth clubs in the local community
• Plan and organise small neighbourhood support groups
• Act as advocates (representatives) for young people who have a grievance with government departments or other organisations
• Interview young people to discuss and identify problems
• Provide support and advice to young people experiencing difficulties, such as family problems, unemployment, illness, drug abuse and homelessness
• Arrange and provide counselling and/or food, shelter or clothing
• Arrange for and evaluate the effectiveness of community support services
• Assess risks and provide intensive short-term crisis counselling for victims of domestic violence or child abuse
• Arrange for the referral of clients to appropriate specialists or community agencies
• Work closely with teachers, social and welfare workers, local authorities, health professionals, refuge workers, parents and, in some instances, the police.

Career Opportunities

Youth workers are employed mainly in social welfare organisations and government departments that provide community services.

Qualifications Required

Work as a youth worker is available without formal qualifications. Informal training on the job is provided. However, entry to this occupation may be improved with qualifications.
Entry to the certificate courses usually requires at least Year 10. Entry to the diploma courses usually requires completion of Year 12. To get into the degree courses it is necessary to pass your HSC/ACT Year 12 with English.

Supervision Provided

A comprehensive orientation program is provided for all new staff members with ongoing support.

Personal skills required of a Youth Worker

• Initiative and leadership qualities
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work independently
• A non-judgmental attitude
• Able to plan and organise.

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