Youth Worker

Tasks & duties

Youth workers may do some or all of the following:

• establish and maintain working relationships with young people, and their families/whanau, peers and communities
• provide support, information and resources to young people
• provide a link between young people and social services, and arrange referrals to the appropriate services
• plan, deliver and evaluate programmes for young people
• train and manage volunteers or other employees
• write reports and prepare applications for funding
• manage budgets

Specialisations

Youth workers may specialise in working with Maori communities.

Skills & knowledge

Youth workers need to have:

• the ability to work effectively and creatively with young people
• knowledge of techniques, practices, information and resources that are useful for working with young people
• knowledge of youth culture
• good communication skills
• understanding of communities they work in, including the needs of young people in those communities
• knowledge of physical and mental health issues relevant to youth
• knowledge of laws and government policies that affect young people
• understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and its application to youth work
• problem-solving skills
• planning and organisational skills
• management skills
• advocacy skills
• knowledge of self-care strategies

For youth workers who specialise in working with Maori communities, knowledge of Maori language and culture is essential.

Entry requirements

To become a youth worker it is preferred you have a tertiary qualification in youth work.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification may be required for entry into a youth work certificate or diploma course.

Training on the job

Most youth workers attend training courses while they are working. They may study toward a tertiary youth work qualification while in their jobs.

Useful experience

Useful experience for youth workers includes:

• voluntary work for youth work agencies
• teaching, counselling, social work, community work, church work or other work that involves helping people
• work within an iwi/Maori community or social service
• experience working with people from a variety of cultures
• coaching young people in a sport
• familiarity with managing a business

Related courses

Children's Services
Community Health
Welfare Studies
Youth Work

For more information, please refer to Career Services.