In this post
- Systemic challenges call for youth workers to get creative
- Passion and empathy will help you find your purpose as a youth worker
- After-work care and reflection is critical for managing burnout
- Setting and maintaining boundaries will help you thrive
- Emotional resilience and patience does wonders
- It's a career where you’re always learning
- Browse Youth Work Results
The Truth About Being a Youth Worker: “This Is Not Just a Job, It’s Somebody’s Life”

In this post Show
- Systemic challenges call for youth workers to get creative
- Passion and empathy will help you find your purpose as a youth worker
- After-work care and reflection is critical for managing burnout
- Setting and maintaining boundaries will help you thrive
- Emotional resilience and patience does wonders
- It's a career where you’re always learning
- Browse Youth Work Results
Advocating for a young person’s sense of belonging while fostering their independence is a deeply rewarding career path. Â
For many, becoming a youth worker in Australia leads to this sense of reward and can grow into a rich and multi-faceted career. However, like any support service, it comes with its challenges. For those who are up for the challenge, are good lateral thinkers and have a passion for working with people, youth work could be your calling. Â
Steffanie, an experienced youth worker entering her third year as a case worker, has seen the rewards and challenges this role has to offer. She says youth work is all about “making sure that youth have autonomy, and making sure that they’re supported in their mission and the things that are important to them”.Â
Steffanie also emphasises the importance of asking the right questions.Â
“What does this young person want? What’s important to them? What’s valuable to them? What skills do they have? What opportunities would be amazing for them? How do I get those?”Â
Answers to these questions can be tricky, but Steffanie offers six critical insights that will help you understand youth work and find answers to those key questions as you enter the field. If you’re interested in a career in this field, explore our youth work courses today.Â
Respecting the confidential nature of Steffanie's role
Youth workers are privy to highly sensitive information and situations in their work.
To respect the confidential nature of Steffanie’s role, we’ve only used her first name in this article.
Systemic challenges call for youth workers to get creative
There’s a common misconception about youth work that the job is challenging because of behavioural issues in youth. Â
But Steffanie says, “It’s often not the challenge of working with the young person. It’s the systemic challenges of having their needs met in a way that’s appropriate for them.” A large part of a youth worker’s job includes navigating complex issues and systems such as:
- Mental health
- HomelessnessÂ
- Local authorities
- Child protectionÂ
It’s here that creative, lateral thinking is your best friend. How do you find the loopholes? How do you work with the right providers and the right community services to get the best outcome for the youth? It’s like a big puzzle that keeps on changing its colours, and youth workers are constantly trying to piece it together.Â
Passion and empathy will help you find your purpose as a youth worker
Full-time youth work can be a deeply personal career path. Because of that, a youth worker‘s direction or purpose can become lost within the puzzle before they’ve even really begun. According to Steffanie, this personal connection can be harnessed to make you an even stronger youth worker.Â
Interpersonal communication, empathy and conviction helped Steffanie find her purpose and recognise other successful youth workers in her organisation. Although not without its challenges to maintain, possessing these qualities as an Australian youth worker can help you turn tumultuous situations into a positive ones. Steffanie goes on to say, “I’ve seen it. I’ve seen young people get opportunities because of the way the worker carried themselves and carried out their role.”
After-work care and reflection is critical for managing burnout
How do you keep your passion and empathy? How do you continue wanting to put the never-ending puzzle together?
Burnout is unmanaged chronic workplace stress that can be recognised as exhaustion, dissociation with work, and extreme negative talk about work and your job. It’s unpleasant, discouraging and can take a long time to recover from fully.Â
Burnout in the healthcare and public services sector is scarily common. That’s why budding youth workers must be aware of it and how to manage it before it gets out of control.Â
After some time of mismanagement, Steffanie now has firm rules in place to help her manage work stress and burnout. It’s all about not taking work home, and reflecting.Â
For Steffanie, a post-workday routine is crucial to decompressing and separating home life from work life. “I like to listen to music when I’m driving home. Others like to go to the gym. Whatever it looks like for you, do it,” Steffanie encourages.Â
Reflection is another big part of managing burnout. Reflecting with your work team is even better, according to Stephanie.Â
“It’s important to be able to recognise when you might be stuck. When you might need to seek support from your leadership team or maybe more formal support within the organisation.”
Setting and maintaining boundaries will help you thrive
Boundaries are so important. Healthy, even. They’re the things that will keep you motivated and energised enough to give the puzzle another crack after a tough week.Â
For Steffanie, home has become a sacred space. She explains, “Home time is my time to retire, time to give to my kids or to all the other things that are important to me. And when I give those things and myself time, I can be more of a service to the youth because I come back fresh and rested the next day rather than exhausted.”Â
Usually, an organisation will have work-mandated regulations to help set a precedence for everyone. Personal boundaries will develop over time as you become exposed to different scenarios, people and circumstances.Â
Emotional resilience and patience does wonders
Sometimes things don’t go your way. Despite harnessing your best communication skills, your youths might be closed off and rude. They may want nothing to do with any outreach program, leaving to you wanting to swipe the puzzle off the table and walk away.Â
When this happens, Steffanie advises youth workers to remember that, “It’s like any other relationship in life. It takes time to build.”
Working with people who live under exceptional circumstances means exceptional emotional reactions. What’s most important is remembering that it’s not personal.
For Steffanie, what might seem like small steps can actually be huge leaps, saying, “If you are able even just to establish a relationship with a young person and they are communicating with you, that’s a good sign.”
It's a career where you’re always learning
Youth work is a dynamic sector with shifting rules, regulations, personalities and circumstances. The puzzle is always changing. This may seem overwhelming. But what it really means is that you’ll always get to learn — and that’s exciting.
According to Steffanie, learning is everywhere. “You learn so much about yourself… about people. Because everyone’s so different.”
As a youth worker, you’ll work with a wide range of people with differing circumstances, health issues and hesitations. It’s a role with a flexible job description that can see you work in schools and youth centres alike. By combining your caring nature with proper training from a youth work course and work experience, you’ll be able to help others reach their full potential.Â
Find your perfect course to start your journey as a youth worker.
Browse Youth Work Results
Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (VIC Only) HLT31120
Our Promise We are confident in the delivery of our training. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be guaranteed a telephone interview for vacant Patient Transport Officer positions in the Non-Emergency Patient Transport division. So...
Certificate IV in Business (WA Only) BSB40120
The BSB40120 Certificate IV in Business is designed for individuals looking to build strong foundational skills in business operations while preparing for leadership, administrative, or team coordination roles. Delivered through scheduled virtual class...
Certificate IV in Information Technology Cyber Security Focus
Defend the Digital World - Build Your Career in Cyber Security Cyber threats are evolving - so should your skills. The ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology Cyber Security Focus provides the practical knowledge and hands-on experience...
Cyber Security Architect
Diploma of Community Services (Perth Only) CHC52021
The Diploma of Community Services qualification reflects the roles of community services, case management and social housing workers involved in the managing, co-ordinating and/or delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communi...
Certificate IV in Business (Perth Only) BSB40120
This qualification is suited to those working as administrators and project officers. In this role, individuals use well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems and analyse information...
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only) MSM30116
The Certificate III in Process Manufacturing is designed for those working or looking to work in production, warehousing, or factory roles. This hands-on course equips you with the practical skills needed to operate machinery, follow safety procedures,...
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (Perth Only) HLT33021
Are you interested in entering the health services industry? This nationally recognised qualification will allow you to enter into one of the most rewarding and enjoyable careers! When studying this course, you will gain knowledge in a range of fields...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) (VIC Only) CHC33021
Our nationally recognised CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) is the perfect qualification for people who have a passion for supporting the elderly, or those with a disability, to reach their full potential. Start a c...
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (VIC Only) CHC43015
This qualification reflects the role of support workers who complete specialised tasks and functions in aged services; either in residential, home or community based environments. Workers will take responsibility for their own outputs within defined or...
Mental Health Certificate BPS216
Understand more about common mental health conditions and how to manage these conditions. This course helps you to understand the signs, symptoms and possible treatments of adult mental health problems. For the sufferer, managing mental health is far e...
Medical Reception Certificate
Become a Certified Medical Receptionist in just ten weeks and Learn how Medicare works! Developed by health experts, this online course will teach you to use Microsoft Office to schedule appointments, keep records and manage the day-to-day running of m...
MYOB Advanced Certificate
Gain an advanced workforce-ready skillset in MYOB. It’s one of the most highly awarded MYOB courses that you could take. The Advanced Certificate in MYOB for accountancy, bookkeeping and administration roles is loaded with specially rated achievements....
Event Management Certificate
Become a certified event manager and launch your career. This course is perfect for those wanting to start their own events business or work in the industry. Special event planning can include many types of events, from conferences and sales meetings t...
Event Management & Wedding Planning Business Pathway
Event management is the perfect career choice for those capable at juggling multiple tasks, who can move at the speed of light and thrive under pressure! Special event planning can include many types of events, not just weddings, from conferences and s...
Dog Psychology, Behaviour & Training Certificate
Teaching all dogs new tricks. Here’s your chance to teach your dog good behaviour habits in the human and canine world. Our highly instructive online course will teach you all about canine psychology, their senses and behaviour, and you’ll learn how to...
Dog Grooming Business Pathway
Get your dog grooming business off to a flying start. If you’re looking to work for yourself, what could be better than a pathway that shows you the right way to go about it. With this course you’ll learn about the care requirements of dogs, and all ab...
Certificate in Business Administration
How to maximise your full potential. It’s just the tonic that your career needs. Our industry accredited online course will help you become a certified business administrator, increase your job prospects in Business Administration, enable you to upskil...
Certificate in Management Fundamentals MGTA1006
Fast track your career with a solid base of Management Fundamentals behind you. This online course is ideal for those who just started or looking to begin a career in management or any existing managers who wish to brush up on their foundation skills....
Certificate in Accounting
This is a course that ticks all the boxes. The Career Academy Certificate in Accounting will provide you with all the necessary skills to work in an accounting environment. There’s no prior experience needed to do the course. And once you finish, you’l...
Business Management Certificate
Plan for success – we’ll show you how to run your small business! Learn how to develop a business plan and set up the right business structure. You’ll gain an understanding of financial reporting and taxation requirements, grasp the principles of marke...
Online courses also available
Latest Articles
The Future of Counselling Jobs in Australia
Thinking about a career in counselling? You might wonder—is it a good career choice right now? Will...
How to Get Your Counselling Accreditation and Registration
Embarking on a counselling career in Australia offers a fulfilling opportunity to support people in...
What Are Counselling Microskills?
Microskills are fundamental communication techniques used to build rapport, actively listen, and gui...
Want to read more?
A Practical Guide to Setting Up Your Reflexology Business
If you’re studying a course in reflexology (or considering it!), you may be thinking about setting u...
Free in ’23: Government Funded Courses in Western Australia
More than $112 million has been invested into the new Western Australian government funding scheme F...
7 Beauty Treatments You’ll Love to Learn About (and Do!)
Welcome to the world of beauty! Studying a Certificate or Diploma in Beauty Therapy is a wonderful w...