Duties and Tasks

Youth workers may perform the following tasks:

• provide information about community services and resources available for young people
• plan, conduct and evaluate programs for young people, such as employment and training, education, self-development, accommodation, welfare and counselling
• plan and organise activities including sports, handicrafts, dancing, drama, hiking, bushwalking and holiday camps
• attend meetings, conferences and training sessions
• evaluate data and write reports and submissions requesting funding for continuing programs and new projects
• assist in developing policy affecting young people
• establish and supervise youth clubs in the local community
• plan and organise small neighbourhood support groups
• act as advocates (representatives) for young people who have a grievance with government departments or other organisations
• interview young people to discuss and identify problems
• provide support and advice to young people experiencing difficulties, such as family problems, unemployment, illness, drug abuse and homelessness
• arrange and provide counselling and/or food, shelter or clothing
• arrange for, and evaluate the effectiveness of, community support services
• assess risks and provide intensive short-term crisis counselling for victims of domestic violence or child abuse
• arrange for the referral of clients to appropriate specialists or community agencies
• work closely with teachers, social and welfare workers, local authorities, health professionals, refuge workers, parents and, in some instances, the police.

Specialisations

Family Support Worker

Work Conditions

Youth workers work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, corrective institutions, youth refuge and community centres, and in Scouting, Guides, YWCA, YMCA and other organisations. 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.

Personal Requirements

• initiative and leadership qualities
• good interpersonal and communication skills
• able to work independently
• a non-judgmental attitude
• able to plan and organise.

Related Industries

Social Assistance Services

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Youth and Disability Workers

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Youth and Disability Workers (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Australian VolunteerSearch - Counselling and Welfare for ALL AUSTRALIA
Work Opportunities websites

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