Youth worker

Youth workers help young people fulfil their potential as individuals and as valuable members of the community. They work with them on personal and social development and enable them to access useful services.

They work in a variety of settings, including youth clubs and community centres, village halls, churches, mosques and schools, with young people mostly aged 13 to 19. Many youth workers are ‘detached’, meeting teenagers in street settings and areas where they tend to congregate, such as amusement arcades, cafés and city centres.

A youth worker based in a centre considers why young people will want to get involved (such as escaping to a non-judgmental environment, meeting friends), and devises relevant activities. They also help young people develop skills and confidence.

Detached youth workers identify people not catered for by a youth centre, often working with colleagues in education and social services. They gradually build up links with young people and keep detailed notes on meetings. They tell people about local community facilities, offer counselling services and arrange for professional or volunteer help if necessary.

Did you know?
Over 500,000 volunteers each year give up their time to work free of charge with young people.

Facts and Figures

  • Starting salary:

    Full-time, qualified youth workers earn between £19,000 and £24,000.

  • Senior level salary:

    Top professionals can command salaries of £35,000.

  • Education:

    Youth workers generally have a qualification validated by the National Youth Agency. Approved higher education courses in youth work or youth and community work are offered by many universities and colleges of higher education. From 2010 professional youth workers will require an honours degree in a youth and community work subject. Unqualified workers will need to work towards graduate level. One to two years' relevant experience is usually required before applying for professional jobs. It is important to check out the most suitable course, and whether it gives professional status.

  • Skills:

    You'll need to understand teenagers, have sensitivity and respect for individuals and be open minded. You should be a good listener with a flair for building trusting relationships, often with people who are experiencing distressing circumstances, such as abuse or drug addiction. Youth workers also need to work well with other adults, including colleagues and community members. Specific interests, such as drama or a particular sport, are useful.

  • Likely employer type:

    Local authorities, voluntary groups such as the Millennium Volunteers and charitable organisations.

  • Opportunities:

    This is a growth area. In local authorities there is a career structure, and it is possible to move up to managerial level. Although there are still many part-time jobs, these have been reduced.

  • Number of professionals:

    There were nearly 3,200 full-time equivalent youth workers employed by local authorities in 2006-07, with a further 7,000 estimated to be working full time in the voluntary sector. There are more than 14,000 part-time youth workers with local authorities.

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