Youth Worker
Support young people by providing practical and emotional support through a range of issues.
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What's it like to be a Youth Worker?
Youth Workers support young people facing welfare, behavioural, developmental, social and protection issues. They may offer practical and emotional support and work with individuals or groups.
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Youth Workers may help young people with issues such as building self-esteem and confidence, family conflict, homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, sex and relationships, education, and finding a job.
Youth Workers provide basic counselling and intervention and refer clients to other professional services when issues are complex or specific.
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What can I earn as a Youth Worker?
Find out the average salary for a Youth Worker across Australia
Latest Youth Worker jobs on SEEK
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How to become a Youth Worker
To become a Youth Worker, you will typically need a vocational qualification. You may also be able to find work if you have relevant experience.
- Complete a Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40413) which will provide you with the basics of working with adolescents and a foundational understanding of the industry.
- If you are already volunteering or working in the industry, then a Diploma of Youth Work (CHC50413) or Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015) may help to broaden your employment outcomes. These qualifications will also give you some leadership skills.
- Ensure you have the relevant checks and certifications as required, such as a First Aid Certificate, Working with Children Check and Police Check. Some employers may also prefer you to have a driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.
- Consider further study to broaden your career options such as a Bachelor of Youth Work or a Bachelor of Social Work.
Explore related qualifications
SEEK users who have worked as a Youth Worker have studied these qualifications.
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Certificate IV in Youth Work
This certificate will provide you with the skills to help develop and facilitate programs for young people who may be experiencing difficulties.
Diploma of Community Services
This diploma gives you the skills to work under broad direction from management and provide person-centred support to individuals and communities.
Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention
This qualification provides you with the skills and knowledge to work under broad supervision in family and youth intervention.
Skills and experience employers are looking for
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Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Is Youth Worker the right role for me?
How do Youth Workers rate their role?
Average ratings calculated from 76 Youth Workers surveyed on SEEK
Work-life balance
3.8
Job satisfaction
4.3
Career progression opportunities
3.8
Job security
3.9
Pay / Salary
3.8
Variety of work
4.0
Job market trends for Youth Workers
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Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Role Reviews
Latest Youth Worker reviews
Latest reviews from 73 Youth Workers surveyed on SEEK
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Positive
Negative
Youth Work has its challenges but the rewards out way any of the negatives of the job
Reviewer's Qualification
Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Large (200+ employees)
Specialisation
Child Protection
The good things
It’s a very rewarding career, having the ability to make a huge difference in a young Persons life.
Seeing changes in behaviour and seeing goals achieved makes it all worth it.
The challenges
Challenging behaviours are the biggest struggle in the job. If you can master those behaviours then you can master anything.
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Working with young people is challenging, fun and no day is ever the same!
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Arts
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
Large (200+ employees)
Specialisation
Youth Services
The good things
Opportunities to build great relationships with young people and in the sector. It’s creative, fun and no day is the same. It’s also very rewarding.
The challenges
Some days are really tough. You need to be able to let young people make their own mistakes, even if it’s multiple times, and then support then when they’re ready. Lots of tough days but also really w...
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Source: SEEK Role Reviews
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