Youth Workers help young people find opportunities to build a positive future for themselves.
What does the job involve?
As a youth worker, you’ll be supporting young people and providing them with guidance regarding education, training and employment. You might work in a youth centre, a community facility, a school, church, marae or government agency, or you might run camps or sport activities. You can work full time, part time or as a volunteer.
What skills do you need?
Youth sector workers need to be:
- Good leaders and communicators who can relate well to a diverse range of people
- Good problem solvers who can remain calm in an emergency
- Honest, ethical, impartial and able to keep information private
- Energetic and enthusiastic with a good sense of humour
Entry level roles in Youth work may not require any qualifications, but it’s likely you’ll be expected to train on-the-job for the New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work (Level 3-4).
More information from Careerforce about qualifications in the youth work sector.
What roles are available?
Initially you’ll find yourself in roles like these:
- Youth Worker
- Youth Advocate
- Youth Facilitator
- Youth Leader
- Youth Support Worker
- Youth Events Co-ordinator
- Programme Assistant/Mentor
More advanced roles will benefit from a Level 4 qualification:
- Probation Officer
- Youth Pastor/Minister
- Youth Justice Worker
- Sports Co-ordinator
Our Stories
ThomasHelping at-risk boys find confidence and fulfil their potential is a real passion and rewarding career for Thomas Stenning.
