Do you want to become a Youth and Community Worker? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
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Youth and community workers help young people to learn, grow and develop. In Scotland this work is carried out by community learning and development workers, who also work with adults. The work can involve devising enjoyable activities and outings which will increase their skills and confidence. Sports, art, drama, group discussions and projects, are all ways of connecting with young people. The work may also involve individual counselling or support with issues like literacy, homelessness, substance misuse or disability.
Youth and community workers usually work 35 to 37 hours a week. This is likely to include some evening and weekend work. Part-time and voluntary work are common. Some workers are based in youth clubs or other centres. Detached workers visit places where young people meet, such as parks, amusement arcades and cafes.
Salaries range from around £18,000 to £30,000 a year.
A youth and community worker should:
Youth and community workers are employed by local authorities, the Connexions service, youth offending teams, voluntary organisations, churches and schools. Successful applicants have to undergo a criminal record check.
Most full-time youth and community workers have a professional qualification. These include diplomas, foundation degrees, degrees and postgraduate qualifications. In Scotland the minimum qualification is a degree or postgraduate qualification.
Part-time and voluntary youth and community workers do not need academic qualifications to begin work, but they may be able to work towards NVQs/SVQs and a range of other nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships may be available.
There is no maximum age for entry to this profession.
Training is usually on the job, but there may be opportunities to do external courses. Everyone involved in youth and community work must undertake child protection training.
A youth and community worker may be promoted to a managerial role. It may also be possible to move into specialist work, for example with young offenders. With further training, youth and community workers in England may become Connexions Personal Advisers.
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