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Youth Care Worker

What Is a Youth Care Worker and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Table of Contents

What Is a Youth Care Worker?

In a job as a youth care worker, you supervise and care for children. You can work in a number of settings, including community after-school programs and social service foster care locations. You serve as a role model and support young people through collaborative activities and social programs. Responsibilities range from maintaining the cleanliness of youth facilities to overseeing activities. These jobs exist in schools, nonprofit organizations, government departments, and private facilities. Residential youth facilities often address the needs of troubled teens and young people in a clinical setting, while day program duties involve mentorship and other support for children and teens.

How to Become a Youth Care Worker

Depending on where you choose to work as a youth care worker, you may need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field to begin your career. However, adequate experience and a passion for assisting youths can help you find a job even without any educational credentials. Most programs do require a background check and some training, particularly if the facility serves at-risk youth or those who have experienced abuse or drug addiction. Qualifications for these types of human services roles may include the ability to manage challenging behavior.

Youth Care Worker Job Description Sample

With this Youth Care Worker job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember though, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for their Youth Care Worker position.

Summary

Our crisis intervention organization is looking for a Youth Care Worker to provide support to young kids in our care. We work with at-risk youth who suffer from mental health issues, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Many of our kids come from a background of abuse or neglect, so we aim to provide them with positive coping methods and help them work through their past trauma. As a Youth Care Worker, you help us supervise and mentor these kids, overseeing their participation in group activities and encouraging them to complete day-to-day tasks. Our ideal applicant is passionate about making a positive change in people’s lives and can handle high-stress situations. All applicants are required to be up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Help supervise the youth in our care
  • Act as a mentor and set a positive example
  • Oversee and encourage resident participation in group activities
  • Encourage completion of daily chores and personal hygiene tasks
  • Provide one-on-one supervision or support as needed
  • Document patient progress, immediately reporting any extreme changes in behavior
  • Report any incidents that may affect the safety of a resident
  • Maintain a safe and healthy environment

Requirements and Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Bachelor’s degree in psychology or social work preferred
  • Experience working with children, preferably those who suffer from mental health issues
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Bilingual communication skills preferred
  • CPR and First Aid certification
  • Basic computer skills
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