Youth Support Worker
Assist young people as individuals or groups to solve social, emotional and financial problems.
Advocate for and enrich the lives of young people
Youth Support Workers play an essential role in the community, providing young people with support and guidance in their daily lives to enhance their current situation and improve their future outlook. As an advocate and role model for young people, you'll assist them with developing life and social skills, furthering their education and helping them heal from past trauma.
Key stats
Youth Support Workers support young people facing welfare, behavioural, developmental, social and protection issues. Here are some key facts and figures about this career path:
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$1,492
Average weekly salary
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42 hrs
Average hours worked per week
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35 yrs
Average age of people in this career
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Multi-region
Jobs available in metro and rural areas
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~12,300
People employed in this industry
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63%
Of employees are full time
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Average
Unemployment for this industry
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25.2%
Future growth (next five years)
Stats as of April 2024. Source: LabourMarketInsights.gov.au
Core skills of a Youth Support Worker
Working as a Youth Support Worker, you’ll be competent in helping young people deal with and resolve issues in all aspects of their lives, which may include referring clients on to other professional services. Some of the core skills of Youth Support Workers include:
Meeting with young people
Understand and address issues facing your clients, and offer help in group environments.
Referring young people to relevant professionals
Connect young people to teachers, social workers, local authorities and family.
Arranging food, shelter and clothing for young people
Assist those in need and offer crisis support to trauma victims.
Communicating effectively
As a role model for young people, you'll need to communicate effectively and demonstrate empathy and respect.
Start here
Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention
Blended learning
Once you’ve completed your Certificate IV
Diploma of Community Services
On-campus learning or traineeship
After graduating, you might like to undertake further study in community services at university level.
For more information about studying to become a Youth Support Worker, get in touch with one of our Course Coordinators. They'll help you understand your study options and match the right course with your goals.
Why choose GOTAFE?
Community connections
We work closely with the local community and welfare support industry to make sure your training gives you all the skills you need to succeed in the workforce.
Passionate and supportive trainers
Our trainers are experienced in the community services industry and are here to help you achieve your goals and succeed in your studies.
Hands-on experience
Our courses give you the opportunity to apply theory to practice and develop your skills working on real community projects.
Explore more career opportunities
Not sure this is the right career path for you? Explore our other careers and find the right fit for you.