Youth Worker
Support young people by providing practical and emotional support through a range of issues.
Job opportunities
1,786
Jobs on SEEK right now
Job growth
29.3%*
Projected job growth in 5 years
Salary
$70k
Most common salary
Job satisfaction
4.2
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.
Tasks and duties
- Meeting with young people to identify and discuss their problems as well as providing support in group settings.
- Arranging food, shelter and clothing for young people in need and providing crisis counselling to those experiencing trauma.
- Referring clients to appropriate specialists and liaising with teachers, social workers, local authorities and parents.
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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.
What can I earn as a Youth Worker?
All
NSW
VIC
WA
QLD
TAS
SA
NT
ACT
The most common annual salary in AUS for a Youth Worker is between $65k and $75k
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Community Support Worker
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$25k$65k$95k
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Social Worker
Most common salaryAUS
$35k$70k$140k
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4
Disability Support Worker
Most common salaryAUS
$20k$75k$95k
Explore skills overlap
4
Close salary comparison
Source: SEEK job ads
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.
- Before finding work as a Youth Worker, you will need a Working with Children Check. A First Aid Certificate would also be beneficial.
Explore related qualifications
SEEK users who have worked as a Youth Worker have studied these qualifications.
All
NSW
VIC
WA
QLD
TAS
SA
NT
ACT
Certificate IV in Youth Work
This certificate will provide you with the skills to 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.
Diploma of Community Services (Statutory & Forensic Child, Youth & Family Welfare)
This qualification prepares you for a role in the community service sector working with children, young people and their families.
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Youth ServicesCommunity ServicesCPR CertificateFamily InterventionChild Protection ServicesManaging Challenging BehavioursOut of Home CareSocial ServicesHuman ServicesQld Drivers LicenceSkills listed in your SEEK Profile
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Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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How do Youth Workers rate their role?
Latest reviews from 52 Youth Workers surveyed on SEEK
Work-life balance
3.9
Job satisfaction
4.2
Career progression opportunities
3.7
Job security
3.8
Pay / Salary
3.8
Variety of work
4.1
Latest reviews
All
Positive
Negative
Youth Work is fun
Reviewer's Qualification
Diploma of Community Services
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
Large (200+ employees)
Specialisation
Youth Work
The good things
It is a rewarding job. No day is ever the same and the young people make every day interesting
The challenges
Behaviour can be one of the biggest challenges in the role, however, when you get to know the young people and follow the plans and processes put in place, it is manageable.
Read more
Community services is tough but every success touches your heart
Reviewer's Qualification
Diploma of Community Services
Experience
1 - 4 years
Organisation size
Large (200+ employees)
Specialisation
AOD detox and rehabilitation and OOHC
The good things
The reward from being a youth worker is providing support and motivation for change. Helping a young person recognize their abilities and develop self esteem.
There is nothing greater than seeing a y...
The challenges
Be willing to face resistance. Change is not easy for anybody. If you are passionate about being a youth worker, this will show. Allowing you to build rapport with the youth you will work with.
Never...
Read more
Source: SEEK Role Reviews
What are the job opportunities for Youth Workers?
Find out how the job market is trending
All
NSW
VIC
WA
QLD
TAS
SA
NT
ACT
Projected job growth
National increase over next 5 years *
2019
2024
Source: LMIP. Social Workers
Latest Youth Worker jobs on SEEK
Source: SEEK job ads
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