On the job

Youth workers are people active in the field of youth work

Youth work is any activity that seeks to engage young people in coordinated programs, including those that are recreational, educational, or social by nature and design.

Youth work focuses on five areas; including a focus on young people; an emphasis on voluntary participation and relationship; a commitment to association by youth and adults; friendly and informal atmospheres, and; acting with integrity.

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.

Duties

1. Interview young people to identify problems and act as advocates (representatives) for them, raising these issues with relevant government authorities

2. Advocate for young people who have a grievance with government departments or other organisations

3. Assist with developing policies relating to young people

4. Provide support and advice to young people experiencing difficulties, such as family problems, unemployment, illness, drug abuse and homelessness

5. Arrange and provide counselling, food, shelter or clothing

6. Assess risks and provide intensive short-term crisis counselling for victims of domestic violence or child abuse

7. Arrange for the referral of clients to appropriate specialists or community agencies

8. Provide information about community services and resources available for young people

9. Plan, conduct and evaluate programmes for young people in areas such as employment and training, education, self-development, accommodation, welfare and counselling

10. Plan and organise activities such as sports, handicrafts, dancing, drama, hiking, bushwalking and holiday camps

11. Establish and supervise youth clubs and small neighbourhood support groups in the local community

12. Write reports and submissions requesting funding for continuing programmes and new projects

13. Evaluate data relating to the effectiveness of community support services

14. Work closely with teachers, social and welfare workers, local authorities, health professionals, refuge workers, parents and, in some instances, the police.

Key skills

1. Able to take initiative

2. Leadership qualities

3. Good interpersonal and communication skills

4. Able to work independently

5. A non-judgmental attitude

6. Ability to plan and organise.

Knowledge areas