What does a Youth Care Worker do?
Published 3 min read
A youth care worker is responsible for the care and supervision of young people in a variety of settings, including foster homes, group homes, residential treatment centers, and juvenile detention facilities. They work with children and adolescents who have emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorders. Youth care workers help these young people develop positive coping skills, manage their behaviors, and make progress in their treatment goals.
Youth Care Worker job duties include:
- Establish and maintain rapport with residents
- Help residents develop positive coping skills
- Promote life skills development
- Encourage positive social interaction
- Assist with daily living activities
- Monitor residents’ physical and emotional well-being
- Transport residents to appointments and activities
- Write progress reports on residents
- Advocate for residents’ needs
Youth Care Worker Job Requirements
Most youth care workers have at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most states require workers to be certified. Certification requirements vary by state but typically include completing a certain number of hours of training and passing an exam. Some states also require youth care workers to have experience working with children or in a child welfare setting.
Youth Care Worker Skills
- Patience
- Active listening
- Emotional intelligence
- Conflict resolution
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Stress management
- Physical stamina
- First aid/CPR
- Trauma-informed care
- Child development
- Adolescent development
Related: Top Youth Care Worker Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Youth Care Worker
There is no one formula for becoming a youth care worker, but there are some important steps that anyone interested in this field should take. First, it is important to get a degree in social work or a related field. This will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to work with youth in a variety of settings. Second, it is important to gain experience working with youth in either paid or volunteer positions. This will help you to better understand the challenges and rewards of working with this population. Finally, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field of youth care work. This will ensure that you are able to provide the best possible care for the youth you work with.
Related: Youth Care Worker Resume Example
Related: Youth Care Worker Interview Questions (With Example Answers)