Youth workers help and support young people aged 11-25 with their development. This involves organising a range of community programmes that help young people improve their confidence and skills.
The Work
You could be:
planning and arranging a wide range of activities that support young people with key issues such as health, relationships, drugs and bullying
building relationships with young people to provide them with a safe space to discuss any problems they might be facing
setting up and running youth clubs and activities
running art and sport programmes in the community
working with other professionals such as social workers, teachers and police
attending multi-agency meetings to support a young person through difficult situations.
You could also be:
carrying out administrative tasks such as maintaining records and writing reports
keeping up-to-date with child safeguarding, health and safety and other relevant policies
managing budgets, making applications for funding and presenting to funding organisations.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Starting salaries for youth support workers are around £23,000 a year. Once fully qualified as a youth worker salaries can range from £30,000 to £40,000 depending on experience. Local authority service managers can earn £40,000 or more depending on the size of the team.
Conditions
You could be working in several different locations including schools or colleges, a community centre, church or even a Young Offenders Institution such as Polmont. You could also spend some time working outdoors for events and activities. You may also have to travel to attend meetings.
Working hours are typically 37 hours per week, but you may need to work some evenings and weekends.
Many youth worker roles are dependent on funding and are advertised on a temporary basis.
To qualify as a Community Learning and Development (CLD) Youth Worker you could undertake a Modern Apprenticeship in Youth Work at SCQF Level 6 or 7. Entry requirements can range from no formal entry requirements to a group of subjects at National 5, though it is useful to have experience working with young people. This takes between 12-24 months to complete. You could also enter by completing the HNC (SCQF Level 7) Working with Communities.
To become professionally qualified in youth work you will complete a degree (SCQF Level 9-11) approved by the CLD Standards Council for Scotland. Currently there are five universities that offer approved undergraduate degrees in Community Learning and Development (Community Education) in Scotland. The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and partner colleges offer BA Hons Child and Youth Studies and Community Learning and Development. The universities of Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and West of Scotland all offer the degree in Community Learning and Development. Entry is usually 3-4 Highers plus English and Maths at National 5.
You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.
able to work well under pressure and keep calm in difficult situations
a good listener, empathetic, observant and understanding
non-judgemental and able to assess the needs of the young people you are working with
confident – able to run events and present your case for funding.
You need to have:
excellent communication skills both written and verbal
strong organisational skills to keep records up to date
the ability to work independently and manage your own work.
Training
All Community Learning and Development degrees have a minimum amount of 1,440 hours of practice usually with a placement or on the job with your employer. You could also undertake a postgraduate qualification in youth work to further enhance your skills.
You could also become a member of the CLD Standards Council who are the professional body in Scotland.
Getting On
With experience you could progress to a team leader or manager role.
You might move into a more specialist area, such as mental health.
You could also move into a career as a social worker or community support worker.
2024
