Assists young people to solve social, emotional and financial problems; assesses clients' needs and plans, develops and implements educational, training and support programs; interviews clients and assesses the nature and extent of difficulties; monitors and reports on the progress of clients; refers clients to agencies that can provide additional help.

• Works indoors in offices within government or community service agencies.
• Frequently works away from the office, out in the community, at schools or other youth facilities.
• Usually works in adequately heated and ventilated offices as a base, but may work in a variety of community and private home environments.
• Likely to be working with people in stressful and complicated personal situations.

• Sedentary physical demand level. Some positions involve a need for employees to demonstrate or actively participate in physical activities. In such cases the physical demand will vary depending on the nature of the activity.
• Frequently sits when meeting with clients and their families and when completing reports or case notes.
• Stretching up and reaching across is not a significant component of this role.
• Bending squatting, crouching and kneeling is not a significant requirement of the role.
• Twisting of the body or neck is not a significant component of this role.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is not a significant component of this role.
• Lifting, carrying and holding is not a significant component of this role.
• Repetitive movement of the hands is likely on an occasional basis for tasks involving computer use.
• Driving is likely to be occasionally to frequently required.
• Use of objects/materials will include computers, diaries and other record-keeping and office equipment.
• Mental skills necessary include assessment, computing, communication, decision-making, report writing, good communication skills with cultural sensitivity and knowledge.

• A New Zealand Register Level 5 or 6 (Diploma or Graduate Certificate) qualification or at least three years relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2). Most employers prefer a relevant tertiary qualification such as the National Certificate in Youth Work (Level 3 or 4). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required. For some entry-level positions on-the-job training may be all that is necessary.
• Useful experience for Youth Workers includes: voluntary work for youth work agencies; teaching, counselling, social work, community work, church work or other work that involves helping people; work within an iwi/Māori community or social service; experience working with people from a variety of cultures; or coaching young people in a sport.
• Making application to work in this role is likely to involve a police background check.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.