Career - Youth Counselor / Worker | Career Navigator

Quick Facts

Median Salary$44,396

Most Common EducationHigh school or GED

Projected 10-Year Growth+22.19%

What They Do

A Youth Counselor or Worker works with young people, primarily ages 13-18, to provide mentoring and support for dealing with problems. Works in a school or community-based program; may assist with referrals from parole or probation offices. Collaborates with teachers, family members, social workers and health care professionals to help young people facing challenges or crises.

Core Tasks:

Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning.
Counsel individuals or groups to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations.
Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.
Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation.
Refer students to outside counseling services.
Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Refer students to degree programs based on interests, aptitudes, or educational assessments.
Evaluate students' or individuals' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics, using tests, records, interviews, or professional sources.
Provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs.
Conduct follow-up interviews with counselees to determine if their needs have been met.
Assess needs for assistance, such as rehabilitation, financial aid, or additional vocational training, and refer clients to the appropriate services.
Instruct individuals in career development techniques, such as job search and application strategies, resume writing, and interview skills.
Attend meetings, educational conferences, and training workshops, and serve on committees.
Plan and promote career and employment-related programs and events, such as career planning presentations, work experience programs, job fairs, and career workshops.
Teach classes and present self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.
Plan and conduct orientation programs and group conferences to promote the adjustment of individuals to new life experiences, such as starting college.
Address community groups, faculty, and staff members to explain available counseling services.
Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
Provide information for teachers and staff members involved in helping students or graduates identify and pursue employment opportunities.
Collaborate with teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs and in the preparation of master schedules for curriculum offerings.
Plan, direct, and participate in recruitment and enrollment activities.

What to expect as a Youth Counselor / Worker

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

40% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Youth Counselor / Worker related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

1485 openings for Youth Counselors / Workers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

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