ApprenticeSearch.com | Child & Youth Worker (620A)

Child & Youth Workers strive to improve the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of troubled children and adolescents.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

Consulting with health and social agencies, physicians, dieticians, and family members in regard to mental/physical/emotional health, nutrition, and medication
Developing effective relationships with children and/or adolescents to support building self-esteem and improving behaviour
Developing thorough working knowledge of relevant acts and codes, including Child and Family Services Act, Young Offenders Act, Criminal Code, and Canada Food Guide
Effectively communicating with children, adolescents, families, and co-workers; collecting, analyzing, and appropriately presenting verbal and written information
Acquiring strong knowledge of community resources and cultivating community relations
Implementing strategies including planned daily activities, coordinated treatment interventions, and organized recreational and social activities
Helping develop and maintain individual and group treatment programs

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Secondary school diploma with English credits; co-op or volunteer work in social service an asset
Completion of 6,240-hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job and in-school training

What's Your Future as a Child & Youth Worker (620A)?

Often employed wherever troubled children are housed; may live in facility or divide time between office, facility, and field visits
Some shift work may be required; job can be physically and mentally challenging
Possibility for advancement into supervisory positions; may pursue further education to become Social Worker, Psychologist, or Marriage and Family Counselor
Employers include provincial government boards, school boards, community youth programs, and private agencies (group homes, treatment centres)

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $24.18-$35.00 per hour.

Self-Rating

Child & Youth Worker (620A)

Ask Yourself:	Yes	No
Do you have excellent communication skills? Are you comfortable working in high-stress situations?
Do you have good problem-solving skills? Can you make quick decisions?
Are you able to leave your work at work? Do you have the maturity and strength to deal with highly sensitive situations?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? Do you have a clean criminal record?
Are you creative and flexible to consider all methods or treatments?
Do you have the ability to work closely with others?
Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision?

If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Child & Youth Worker (620A) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

Early Childhood Educator
Teacher Assistant
Psychologist
Social Worker
Rehabilitation Specialist

What does a Child & Youth Worker (620A) do?

Developmental Services Worker (620D)

Educational Assistant (620E)