Careers Profiles

Youth Worker

Youth workers will usually work with young people aged between 13 and 19, but sometimes the age range will extend from 11 to 25.

They fulfil a wide variety of roles in different organisations, with the emphasis on encouraging young people’s personal and social development.

Youth workers must respond to young people’s needs and interests and help them take decisions for themselves. Activities are carefully planned but informal, in order to build trusting relationships.

Youth workers often administer youth and community projects and resources and may be responsible for seeking out funding opportunities. They may be in charge of running community projects, residential activities, arts-based projects or sports activities.

Much of their work will also be with individuals, where mentoring and counselling skills are important.

Youth workers will work closely with other agencies such as the police, schools, social services and youth offending teams, as well as with parents and community groups.

The skills and experience you need

Youth workers generally have a qualification validated by the National Youth Agency. Approved higher education courses (diploma, foundation degree, degree etc) in youth work or youth and community work are offered by around 30 English universities and colleges of higher education.

It is possible to become a youth worker without a degree or HND, but full-time youth workers will normally have completed an initial qualification and those without qualifications may have more limited opportunities.

One to two years’ work experience – usually gained by volunteering – is vital for entry into professional training.

Anyone wanting to be a youth worker should be able to show a commitment to young people; communication and relationship building skills; and patience. They should also understand the issues that affect young people and be able to treat their concerns with respect and sensitivity.

Likely types of employer

  • Local authority youth services
  • Schools
  • Faith groups, community groups, or voluntary organisations
  • Connexions, which offers an information and advice service for young people aged 13-19
  • Youth workers are also often employed by other services such as social services and the NHS
  • Many workers move into related jobs such as community education, outdoors education or advice work

Salary ranges

Starting salaries vary significantly depending on an individual’s qualifications and the organisation they work for. Minimum starting salaries are around £12,000 but they can rise to around £24,000. Typical salaries at senior level range from £22,000 to £28,000.

More information