Youth Work Courses

We offer real-life work experience placements in the Hader Clinic’s rehabilitation facilities around the world.

What is Youth Work?

The term ‘youth work’ is used to describe a wide range of services and activities that aim to support young people aged between 12 and 25 years old, to reach their full potential. Whilst the focus of youth work has changed over time, the fundamental aim remains the same – to create opportunities for young people to develop into happy, healthy and productive adults.

Types of Youth Work Courses

At Hader Institute, we offer two main youth work courses, which include the Diploma of Youth Work and Certificate of Youth Work.

Diploma of Youth Work

The Diploma of Youth Work will give you the skills and knowledge to work with young people in a range of settings. You will learn how to develop and implement programs that support the needs of young people, as well as how to manage risk and critical situations and create safe environments.

Learning objectives

The Diploma of Youth work will teach you how to support and empower young people in a community setting. By completing the Diploma of Youth Work, you will learn how to:

Develop and implement service programs:

You will learn how to develop and implement a range of services and programs that meet the needs of young people in the community. This may include developing outreach programs, community education programs and support services such as domestic and family violence support.

Analyse the impact of sociological factors on clients in community work and services:

Online youth work courses can help you learn about the impact of sociological factors on clients in community work and services. You will learn how to assess and respond appropriately to the needs of clients, as well as learn about effective interventions and approaches.

Develop workplace communication strategies:

To work effectively with young people, you need to be able to communicate effectively. Online youth work courses can help you develop the communication skills you need to build positive relationships with young people. You will learn how to communicate effectively in a range of settings, including one-on-one interactions, group settings, and online.

Develop and maintain networks of collaborative partnerships:

It is critical to develop and maintain collaborative partnerships to achieve a beneficial impact in the neighbourhood. Online youth work courses can help you learn how to develop and maintain these partnerships. You will learn about the importance of networking, as well as how to identify and develop relationships with key partners.

Plan and conduct group activities:

Group activities are a key part of youth work. Online youth work courses can help you learn how to plan and conduct group activities that are safe, fun, and meet the needs of the group. You will learn about a variety of activities that can be used with groups, as well as how to adapt activities to meet the needs of specific groups.

Evaluate service programs and activities:

It is important to evaluate service programs and activities to ensure that they are effective and meet the needs of the community. Online youth work courses can help you learn how to evaluate service programs and activities. You will learn how to collect data, assess impact, and identify areas for improvement.

Manage legal and ethical compliance:

As a youth worker, you are required to comply with a range of legal and ethical standards. Online youth work courses can help you learn about these standards and how to comply with them. You will learn about a range of topics, including confidentiality, child protection, when to report children at risk, and privacy.

Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management:

Case management is a critical part of youth work. It involves working with individual young people to assess their needs and develop a plan to address those needs. Online youth work courses can help you learn how to develop, facilitate, and review all aspects of case management. You will learn about assessment, service planning, and case review.

Engage with young people and promote diversity:

It is important to engage with young people in a way that promotes diversity and inclusion. Online youth work courses can help you learn how to engage with young people from a variety of backgrounds. You will learn about cultural competence, as well as how to create inclusive environments.

Work effectively with young people in a youth work context:

To be effective in a youth work context, you need to have a good understanding of young people and the issues they face. Online youth work courses can help you learn about a variety of topics, including child development, risk factors such as domestic and family violence, and resilience. You will also learn about working with specific groups of young people, such as those with disabilities or from minority groups.

Work with people who live with mental health issues:

Mental health is a significant issue for many young people. Online youth work courses can help you learn how to support young people who are struggling with mental health issues. You will learn about a variety of topics, including identifying signs of mental illness, providing support, and referral to appropriate services.

Manage service response to young people in crisis:

There are times when young people may find themselves in crisis. Online youth work courses can help you learn how to manage a service response to young people in crisis. You will learn about the different types of crises that can occur, as well as how to assess and respond to them.

FAQs

Who is youth work for?

Youth work is a rewarding and challenging field that can make a real difference in the lives of young people. Online youth work courses can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field. These courses can provide you with the foundation you need to build a career in youth work, or they can help you develop practical skills that you can use in your current role. Whether you are new to the field of youth work or you are a seasoned professional, online youth work courses can help you learn about a variety of topics that are relevant to your work.

Where can youth workers be employed?

Youth workers are employed in a variety of settings, including:

• The community services sector: such as youth clubs, community centres and Neighbourhood Houses
• Government agencies: such as the Department of Education, Training and Employment, or local government youth services
• Not-for-profit organisations: such as charities or church groups
• Commercial organisations: such as recreation centres or private companies that deliver youth
• Youth refuges: which provide crisis accommodation and support for young people aged between 12 and 18 years old who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Detention centres: youth workers employed in detention centres work with young people who have been sentenced by a court to be detained.

Though the list is not exhaustive, it gives you an idea of the range of places where youth workers are employed.

Are youth work qualifications nationally recognised?

Youth work qualifications are nationally recognised in Australia and are delivered by several providers. Online youth work courses can help you learn about a variety of topics that are relevant to your work.

What are the benefits of undertaking online youth work courses?

Online youth work courses can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work effectively with young people. The courses can also help you to develop your career in youth work.

What qualifications do I need to undertake online youth work courses?

Eligible students will need to be above the age of 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to have completed the equivalent of an Australian Senior High School Year 12 certificate, as well as have decent computer and internet skills.

How does it work?

The type of work that youth workers do can be divided into two main categories: direct service work and indirect service work.

Direct service work is when youth workers provide support to young people on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. This might involve providing guidance and advice or helping young people to access services such as healthcare or education.

Indirect service work is when youth workers are involved in the planning and coordination of services for young people. This might involve working with other professionals, such as teachers or social workers, or developing programs that support young people’s development.

What does a youth worker do?

A youth worker is responsible for working with young people and their families in a variety of settings, including schools, childcare centres, churches, and community organisations. They help young people build positive relationships, develop social and life skills, make healthy choices and navigate risk and critical situations. Youth workers also provide support to parents and caregivers.

Some of the key duties of a youth worker include:

- Providing individual or group counselling

- Planning and leading community-based programs for young people

- Helping young people access resources and services

- Assessing child protection concerns to report children at risk

- Organising events and programs to create opportunities

- Working with parents and caregivers to address any concerns they may have

Online courses in youth work can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to support young people and their families. Courses cover topics such as counselling, program planning, and working with parents and caregivers.

How are youth work courses delivered?

Most youth work courses are delivered online or in person, which means you have the option to study from anywhere in the world at a time that suits you. Online courses offer a variety of learning options, including video lectures, readings, discussion forums, and assessments. They are often flexible, so you can study at your own pace and fit your studies around your busy schedule.

What topics are covered in youth work courses?

Courses in youth work cover a range of topics, including counselling, program planning, working with parents and caregivers, and helping young people access resources and services. You can choose from a range of courses that suit your needs and interests.

Can I study youth work online?

Yes, you can study youth work online. There are several online courses available that will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to support young people and their families.

What do youth work courses entail?

Most online youth work courses are offered through universities and colleges. They typically require 10-15 hours of study per week and can be completed in 6-12 months with manageable student tuition fees. Some courses include a practicum or internship component, which allows you to put your new skills into practice.

If you're interested in becoming a youth worker or if you're already working in the field and want to further develop your skills, online courses are a great option.

What qualifications do I need to become a youth worker?

To become a youth worker in Australia, you will need to have successfully completed a nationally recognised qualification, such as the CHC40413 Certificate IV in Youth Work Online or the CHC50413 Diploma of Youth Work Online. You also need to have a current Working With Children Check and complete a First Aid Certificate. Also, you will need to have a strong interest in working with young people and their families.

How much does a youth worker earn?

The average salary for an entry-level youth worker in Australia is $74,000 per year. However, salaries will vary depending on your qualifications, experience, and the state or territory you work in.

What are the career prospects for youth workers?

A youth worker can work in a variety of positions, depending on their qualifications and experience. Some of the positions available in the youth sector include:

- Youth worker

- Counsellor

- Program planner

- Resource coordinator

- Case manager

- Social worker

- Community worker

- Workplace health worker

The career prospects for youth workers are good, with job opportunities expected to grow over the next few years. There is a growing demand for qualified and experienced youth workers, particularly in rural and remote areas.

With the Australian government investing more resources into this area, the number of professionals required to work in this field is expected to increase three-fold over the next decade.

So if you're looking for a rewarding career where you can help others, then consider studying online for a youth work qualification.