Youth workers aim to promote the personal and social development of young people so as to give them a voice in their communities. Youth workers operate in diverse roles including, but not limited to, the following:
- Identifying general areas of concern for young people and raising relevant issues with government authorities
- Aiding in the development of youth specific policies
- Offering assistance and advice to young people experiencing family problems, unemployment, illness, drug abuse,homelessness or general adversity
- Organising or providing informed counselling
- Undertaking risk assessment for young people who have been or potentially could be the victims of domestic violence, child abuse or sexual abuse
- Referring young people to appropriate specialists or community organisations
- Inform young people about available community services and resources.
Case management and support Youth workers exist in the space created by young people’s exclusion from full involvement in community decision making. Youth work practice is predicated on the relationship with the young person as the primary client, expressed through a commitment to advocacy and healing in their work with the young person and the wider society.
To become a youth worker, you usually need to complete a formal qualification in youth work.
Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University offers a 3 year Bachelor of Youth Work degree at their Joondalup campus.
TAFE WA
TAFE WA offers a Certificate III, Certificate IV and a Diploma of Youth Work at multiple campuses around Western Australia.
- Certificate IV in Youth Work
- Diploma of Youth Work
Youth Work Sector
We encourage you to also connect with the youth work sector and engage with professional youth sector organisations by way of following them on social media, becoming a member or subscribing to newsletters to stay informed.
- Local: Youth Work WA
- National: Youth Workers Association
