Skip to content
Back to Career Guides
Youth Worker
Youth work

How to become a Youth Worker

What does a Youth Worker do?

Think you’re down with the kids*? You should become a Youth Worker… Youth Workers provide guidance and support for young people aged 11-25, helping them to reach their full potential, and improve their social, personal, and emotional development.Their role could involve anything from planning and managing community events and educational activities, to running counselling sessions for those struggling with bullying, health problems, or crime.And whether they’re based at a college, school, or youth centre, a Youth Worker’s duty is not only to mentor and coach young people, but also to ensure they feel supported in their individual situation.Typical duties for a Youth Worker could include:
  • Organising events and activities
  • Initiating and undertaking projects that are both fun and educational
  • Encouraging participation and involvement
  • Providing advice, support, and counselling
  • Recruiting, managing and supervising volunteers
  • Creating reports and business plans to encourage funding
  • Working with police, schools, parents, and other community groups
 *If you have ever used this phrase, you are definitely not down with the kids

Is a career as a Youth Worker right for me?

Excellent communication skills, combined with a genuine concern for young peoples’ wellbeing, are essential traits for anyone looking to become a Youth Worker.Because of the often sensitive nature of the job, you’ll also need to demonstrate high levels of tact and empathy with everything you do. After all, there’s a time and a place for tough love – and errors in judgement could cause unnecessary drama and/or tears.That doesn’t mean you don’t need to be strong though. Young people also require a leader with patience, tolerance, and lots of resilience…You will also need to show:
  • An ability to build relationships with young people
  • Maturity and discretion
  • A responsible attitude
  • Enthusiasm and a talent for motivating others
  • A fair and non-judgemental approach
  • An ability to relate to young people

Explore your opportunities

People also search for

Youth work (1,107)
Support worker (24,699)
Social worker (9,697)
Care (28,583)
Healthcare (23,089)

Career progression and salary expectations for a Youth Worker

1

Junior Youth Worker

| Up to £25,000
2

Youth Worker

| Up to £30,000
3

Youth Service Manager

| Up to £40,000

Get qualified as a Youth Worker

Gaining a professional youth work qualification (e.g. a BA degree) is essential if you want to become a fully qualified Youth Worker. And to be accepted onto a course, you’ll usually need relevant work experience, alongside the academic entry requirements (e.g. GCSEs, A levels and/or work-based qualifications). DBS checks are also a legal requirement before being able to work with children.

Recommended Youth work courses

  • Level 5 Diploma in Family Support Worker

    Janets
    QLS Endorsed | Level 5 Diploma | FREE Exam | 150 CPD Points | 24x7 Tutor Support | FREE PDF Certificate
    • 640 students
    • Online
    • 2.7 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 150 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    Highly rated
    Family support workers are social services specialists who help and advise children and families in need. They may work in foster care or adoption agencies, child protective services agencies, or family support groups. Enrol in the Family Support Worker course right away and m …
    Save 29%
    £12 £17

  • Youth Work - Essential Skills

    Training Express Ltd
    11-in-1 Super Saver Bundle | CPD Accredited | Free 11 PDF Certificates | 25 CPD Points | Lifetime Access
    • 40 students
    • Online
    • 48 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 110 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    This Youth Work Diploma is ideal for anyone looking to boost their career in social care working with young people. This Youth Work Diploma course explores the opportunities in youth development work as a profession, as well as the youth work skills and qualities needed to achiev …
    £65

What's it like to be a Youth Worker?

"Even if it does sometimes test my patience (kids will be kids), being a Youth Worker is super fun. It mostly revolves around organising and taking part in a range of activities, projects, and programmes designed to boost young peoples’ confidence and help improve their overall development. Aside from being able to make a difference to people’s lives, I also get to play sports, do arts and crafts, and even put together drama performances – who else gets to say that about their jobs? And although it can be hard to build trust, especially if they’re going through a tough time – I find that trying to see things on their level always helps to get through to them in the end. Even if I am sometimes the ‘uncool adult’ who has no idea what the newest snapchat filter is…"

Youth Worker jobs

All Youth Worker jobs
Need Advice? Ask our virtual career advisor