What does a youth worker do?
Youth workers typically work in youth groups, youth organisations, schools, colleges, council-run groups or community centres. They typically work with young people aged 11 to 25 and support them with emotional and practical issues. Youth workers provide basic intervention services and refer youths to a specialist for more complex issues such as trauma, addiction or abuse.
On a day-to-day basis, a youth worker assists young people in tackling behavioural, developmental, social or welfare problems. Youth workers also organise community events as well as educational and recreational activities for youths, including art projects, drama classes or sports activities.
Youth worker skills and qualifications
To be a successful youth worker, a candidate should have the following skills and aptitudes:
- Patience and compassion for people and their problems
- Excellent people skills and a genuine desire to help others
- Open-mindedness and adaptability to changing situations
- Great active listening skills and ability to establish rapport with adolescents
- Great communication skills
- Interest in sports or social activities such as art and drama
- Awareness of health and safety standards and first aid skills
Youth worker experience requirements
Some experience is usually required to be hired as a youth worker. An applicant might have gained this experience through paid or voluntary work alongside their vocational studies.
Volunteers typically help out in youth organisations to gain hands-on experience in working with young people. The range of skills acquired ranges from administrative duties such as writing reports to coordinating projects and supporting adolescents on a one-to-one basis.
Becoming a member of the Australian Community Workers Association can also set a candidate apart.
Youth worker education and training requirements
Working as a youth worker in Australia requires a vocational qualification, most commonly the Certificate IV in Youth Work, which provides a solid foundation in industry-specific knowledge and working with young people.
The most common follow-on qualifications are the Diploma of Youth Work or the Diploma of Community Services, offered by TAFE and other registered training organisations. There is also the option to complete a Bachelor’s of Youth Work or a Bachelor’s of Social Work.
Youth workers are also usually required to have completed the necessary checks, such as a police check and the Working with Children Check. Many employers will also expect a first aid certificate and a driver’s licence in order to be able to get to clients.
Youth worker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a youth worker is $39.26 per hour. Youth worker salaries hover around the national average in most states and cities, but some government entities and private care agencies are reported as paying significantly higher rates.
Job description samples for similar positions
There are a couple of roles similar to youth workers. Take a look to see if you need to hire one of these experts in addition to or instead of a youth worker:
Youth worker job description FAQs
What qualities make an outstanding youth worker?
A great youth worker enjoys working with young people and knows how to establish positive relationships with them. Patience and a thick skin can be helpful, as the role can sometimes be challenging. Outstanding youth workers lead by example and act as supportive and confident role models to the young people they look after. This builds confidence and resilience, which in turn helps the adolescents make positive choices going forward.
What hours does a youth worker usually work?
Most youth workers are employed full-time and work standard office hours. However, when events or projects are scheduled, some evening or weekend work can be required. In addition, changes in funding availability may lead to some roles being temporary or project-based.
What’s the difference between a youth worker and a social worker?
Both youth and social workers support the well-being of individuals and need empathy and excellent communication skills. However, youth workers only look after young people aged 11 to 25, while social workers support individuals in all stages of life and are usually part of a larger interdisciplinary team. Youth workers are more concerned with teaching young people independence and life skills and accompanying them through difficult times, in contrast to social workers’ broader focus on cultural, social and psychological needs.
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