Youth Worker – ANZSCO 411716

Typical tasks and duties

Youth Worker may perform the following tasks:

• interview young people to identify problems and act as advocates (representatives) for them, raising these issues with relevant government authorities
• advocate for young people who have a grievance with government departments or other organisations
• assist with developing policies relating to young people
• provide support and advice to young people experiencing difficulties, such as family problems, unemployment, illness, drug abuse and homelessness
• arrange and provide counselling, food, shelter or clothing
• assess risks and provide intensive short-term crisis counselling for victims of domestic violence or child abuse
• arrange for the referral of clients to appropriate specialists or community agencies
• provide information about community services and resources available for young people
• plan, conduct and evaluate programmes for young people in areas such as employment and training, education, self-development, accommodation, welfare and counselling
• plan and organise activities such as sports, handicrafts, dancing, drama, hiking, bushwalking and holiday camps
• establish and supervise youth clubs and small neighbourhood support groups in the local community
• write reports and submissions requesting funding for continuing programmes and new projects
• evaluate data relating to the effectiveness of community support services
• work closely with teachers, social and welfare workers, local authorities, health professionals, refuge workers, parents and, in some instances, the police.