Youth workers are responsible for preparing and delivering activities to increase social and personal development of young people. They help them by taking advantage of their potential and increasing their confidence. Youth Workers deal with people aged 13-19 years old in different educational activities. They work in some youth centres, communities’ organizations, or as independent workers.

A Youth Worker usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Meeting with social workers and other professionals.
• Undertaking group or individual sessions.
• Providing counseling for young people.
•   Helping young people with problems in their lives.
•   Organising recreational activities.

• Being able to work with a team.
• Having knowledge about health procedures.
• Being patient.
• Having strong interpersonal abilities.
• Being able to deal with unexpected problems.
• Having good knowledge about key aspects of young people.
• Being confident.
• Having special commitment with young people.
• Having good written and spoken communication skills.
• Being organized.
• Having knowledge about the National Youth Association’s Ethical Demands in Youth Work policy.

Youth Worker jobs require having a recognised qualification from the Youth Council for Northern Ireland or the National Youth Agency. In the case of England, it is specifically required to have BA honours degree in youth work, recognised by the National Youth Agency. There is a wide variety of qualifications offered by these institutions, including diplomas, degrees, honours degrees, post graduate diplomas, among others.

Most Youth Workers begin in jobs that do not require formal qualifications, such as youth supporter workers. This helps to gain the necessary experience for further studies and jobs. It is also recommended to have a NVQ level 3 in a related subject for this area.