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Youth Worker

Youth workers work with and support young people, either individually or in groups, by developing and facilitating programmes that address social, behavioural, welfare, developmental and protection needs.

Youth workers work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, corrective institutions, youth refuges, community centres and organisations such as Scouts, Guides, YWCA and YMCA.

They also work in places where young people congregate, including shopping centres, parks and reserves.

Youth workers often work unsupervised and much of their work takes place outside normal hours.

TASKS

Youth workers may perform the following tasks:

interview young people to identify problems and act as advocates (representatives) for them, raising these issues with relevant government authorities
advocate for young people who have a grievance with government departments or other organisations
assist with developing policies relating to young people
provide support and advice to young people experiencing difficulties, such as family problems, unemployment, illness, drug abuse and homelessness
arrange and provide counselling, food, shelter or clothing
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
provide information about community services and resources available for young people
plan, conduct and evaluate programmes for young people in areas such as employment and training, education, self-development, accommodation, welfare and counselling
plan and organise activities such as sports, handicrafts, dancing, drama, hiking, bushwalking and holiday camps
establish and supervise youth clubs and small neighbourhood support groups in the local community
write reports and submissions requesting funding for continuing programmes and new projects
evaluate data relating to the effectiveness of community support services
work closely with teachers, social and welfare workers, local authorities, health professionals, refuge workers, parents and, in some instances, the police

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to take initiative
leadership qualities
good interpersonal and communication skills
able to work independently
a non-judgmental attitude
able to plan and organise

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Family Support Worker - works with families experiencing financial, relationship or other difficulties. They offer practical help, emotional support and advice about coping strategies, so as to allow children to stay with their families rather than be placed under the care of the state.

Accommodation Worker - assists young people living in supported accommodation environments, including crisis services, hostels, shared housing and independent accommodation.

Drug and Alcohol Worker - provides support to young people looking to decrease or stop using drugs and alcohol when it becomes a problem for them. They may work in rehabilitation centres, counselling services, health services or in other community settings.

Detached (Street Based) Youth Worker - builds working relationships with young people in public spaces such as parks, shopping centres or on the streets. Young people are then provided with information and support to meet their needs.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a youth worker you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in youth work, youth justice, community services work or child, youth and family intervention. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a youth worker through a traineeship in Youth Work, Youth Justice, Community Services Work or Child, Youth and Family Intervention.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Alternatively, you can become a youth worker by completing a degree in social science, social work, social welfare, counselling, human services, youth work or a related field. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12 with English. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

See the separate entries for Community Worker, Social Worker and Welfare Worker for further information.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Community Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Introductory training is available as a volunteer through Scouts, Guides, church groups and special welfare programmes (for example, Youthlink, Lifeline or YMCA/YWCA). In addition, some employment agencies offer in-service training for new employees in areas such as street work, counselling, group work and information services.

To become a member of the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) you need to complete an approved degree or 2-year diploma in community services work, human services community welfare, community development or a similar discipline that is approved by ACWA. Contact the association for further information and a current list of approved courses.

To work with children or vulnerable people in NSW, you must obtain a Working with Children Check from the Office of the Children's Guardian. To work with children in the ACT, you need to obtain a Working with Vulnerable People Check from the Office of Regulatory Services. A National Police Certificate may also be required.