Youth worker
Also known as: youth programmes social worker, youth employment advisor, youth project team worker, welfare advisor, youth project team leader, youth social worker
About this occupation
Youth workers assist and counsel young people helping them to reach their full potential by facilitating their personal, social and educational growth. They are also involved in managing youth and community projects and resources, delivering programmes related with health, relationships, smoking, drugs or violence issues. Youth workers advocate young people's interests and collaborate with other organizations that support young people.
A specialisation of social worker.
Essential skills and knowledge
- adhere to organisational guidelines
- promote social change
- prepare youths for adulthood
- maintain records of work with service users
- provide social counselling
- refer social service users
- promote youth work in the local community
- build helping relationship with social service users
- develop professional identity in social work
- advocate for social service users
- conduct interview in social service
- handle conflicts
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Residential Advisors (O*NET 39-9041.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students.
- Observe students to detect and report unusual behavior.
- Supervise, train, and evaluate residence hall staff, including resident assistants, participants in work-study programs, and other student workers.
- Provide emergency first aid and summon medical assistance when necessary.
- Make regular rounds to ensure that residents and areas are safe and secure.
- Mediate interpersonal problems between residents.
- Typical education (US)
- Some College Courses
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring, Coordination, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$42,240 a year (2025), 84,760 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyVery important (3.7)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.2)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.1)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.1)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Some College Courses
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services
- Patient Representatives
- Recreation Workers
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.