Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Youth Worker Advocate- from: Youtube Search
- Project Coordinator- from: iCould [UK] Video
- Young People Coordinator- from: icould [UK] Video
- Youth Work Coordinator- from: icould [UK] Video
- Youth Worker- from: icould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Working Life
Youth workers spend time in face-to-face work, finding out about young people's likes and dislikes, their feelings about society, and any problems they want to discuss. They help people take action in their lives, with issues affecting it from health, education, unemployment and the environment.
Young people use the youth service to meet friends, spend time away from home in a safe environment, get help and advice, and take part in constructive activities. They mentor and counsel individuals to encourage social inclusion.
Full-time youth workers are often responsible for a team of part-time workers and volunteers, some of whom may have special skills in sport, music or art. Youth workers may give talks or arrange specialists to visit to discuss personal and health issues that affect young people. They encourage young people to think about their attitudes to other people, and discuss problems such as racism and sexism.
Detached youth workers go out into the community to find young people who do not currently use the youth service but who may benefit from the youth service. They meet groups of young people, for example, in pubs or on street corners. They win their trust, and find out if they are bored or have problems. They may then arrange counselling services, or encourage people to use the youth service if one exists in the area.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Maintain case history records and prepare reports.
- Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
- Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
- Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
- Address legal issues, such as child abuse and discipline, assisting with hearings and providing testimony to inform custody arrangements.
- Counsel parents with child rearing problems, interviewing the child and family to determine whether further action is required.
- Consult with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems, such as truancy and misbehavior, and to implement solutions.
- Arrange for medical, psychiatric, and other tests that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures.
- Refer clients to community resources for services, such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance, and provide concrete information, such as where to go and how to apply.
- Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, or medical care.
Further Information
- Youth worker- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Youth Worker Advocate
As a youth worker, you must enjoy working with young people. You must have an understanding of how young people learn and develop, and be aware of the health and social problems that may affect them. A friendly, cheerful personality is very helpful, along with a sense of fun, and lots of energy and stamina.
Good communication skills are very important. You must be able to develop trust with young people from different social, racial or ethnic backgrounds. You will need to listen carefully, and ask the right questions to find out about young people's concerns, problems, and their voice in their lives.
Face-to-face work is demanding so you need skill and commitment. Youth workers need an understanding of the factors that affect young people. You must be able to treat problems in confidence, use tact and have counselling skills to support young people.
Skills
• Engaging with people and groups for empowerment and collective action based on a clear understanding of the context, conditions, lived experiences, dynamics and diversity of those involved
• Identifying and addressing barriers to participation
• Conflict management and resolution
• Practice skills including programme planning, monitoring, reflection and evaluation
• Governance, organisational management and project management skills; • Social research; • Leadership
• Group work, facilitation and supporting collective decision-making
• Use of creative and innovative methodologies.
Qualities
• Solidarity and empathy, recognising the diversity that exists within society and communities
• Commitment to working collectively for social change and social justice
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and rights
• Leadership.
Interests - Youth Worker Advocate
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Youth Worker Advocate
Some people become part-time youth workers through their own experience of youth service, perhaps in the Scouts or Guides, or through working to help their religious community. To find out about part-time opportunities, you should contact your local authority or youth service. This will usually be part of the education department. Many local areas have volunteering centres, councils for voluntary youth services and these may provide a starting point for finding out about opportunities Volunteer Ireland.
Garda vetting will form part of any applications for work in this sector.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: youthwork, training and development, train the trainer.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: community and youth work, youth activities worker, youth studies, community development, youth work, SNA, youth work and addiction studies, youthwork, applied social studies, social care.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: community development and youth work, community youth work, social science, youth, community work , arts, child, youth and family, policy and practice, community, addiction studies, public health, health promotion, health sciences, applied social care.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: child and youth studies, child youth, family studies, child, youth, community, youth work, youth arts, sports education, youth justice, community health, leadership, management for the community and public.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
National Youth Council Ireland
AEIB All Ireland endorsement body for Community Education & Training
Activelink: Community Exchange
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Youth Worker Advocate
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €54k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Extern/ Crosscare/ Foroige/ YAP/ YWI/ ETBI/ Forsa-Gov.ie/ Indeed
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Youth Worker Advocate
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Youth and community workers; Child and early years officers; Housing officers; Counsellors Welfare and housing associate professionals n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual average employment growth rate for this occupation continued to be strong across the five-year period. Census data for 2022 indicates that youth and community workers account for the largest share of occupations within this group and vacancies announced through DSP Jobs Ireland in 2022 were primarily for these roles.
Useful Contacts - Youth Worker Advocate
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The Wheel - Support and Representative Body for Community & Voluntary Sector Organisations
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Youth Work Ireland
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Activelink
- Activelink, 2-4 Merville Road, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, A94 E3F8, Ireland.
- 01-6677326
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Foróige -The National Youth Development Organisation
