A youth care worker is typically employed at a facility that provides homeless or runaway teenagers with shelter, activities for delinquent children and adolescents, or programs for those with mental health issues. Documenting records or assisting students in activities and programs are some of the responsibilities of a worker. Some workers also provide companionship or mentorship to troubled teenagers. The worker can either volunteer or be paid for his services.
During behavior-control lessons, a youth care worker will often supervise students with an instructor or counselor present. In the classroom, the youth care worker may also serve as a teacher’s aide. Away from the classroom, the worker may keep track of student behavior and report findings to his boss.
Part-time schedules are common among youth care providers. These can range from early morning to late night shifts. Residential center youth care workers are frequently assigned an overnight shift and are typically full-time employees.
Depending on the employer, the job requirements will often differ. Youth facilities frequently have activities outside of the center. Many workers will serve as escorts for these events on organized trips or functions away from the residence. The employee is in charge of ensuring that the child or children in his care arrive at and leave the group home on time.
Interaction between youth care providers and their children’s families is very common. The worker may pay regular visits to parents or communicate with them over the phone. Many youth care workers have to interact with social workers on a regular basis.
Students need to see youth care workers as excellent role models. As a result, employees must refrain from engaging in any behaviors that may negatively impact the center’s youth. Workers will almost always need to be first-aid certified. Potential employees at a youth care facility will also be subjected to background checks.
A bachelor’s degree or prior social work experience may be required for employment as a youth care worker. In some cases, a psychology degree may be beneficial. These workers may also be subjected to a physical examination, which may include tuberculosis testing.