Introduction
The use of drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine and heroine by young
people is perceived to be an increasing problem in today's society.
It is every parent's worst nightmare - whether real or
imagined. Of course, drug and alcohol abuse is by no means
confined to youth. Some adults also have serious problems
with drink and drugs. Youth workers are often based in the
youth and community service of education departments in
authorities. As this is outreach work, the post may also be
located in social services because there is an obvious link in that
both deal with people at risk. The purpose of the job is to provide
a programme of drug prevention education for young people.
Work Environment
This is wherever young people meet for social reasons such as
youth and community centres. Often the posts are part time
but a standard working week entails 37 hours. There is a need to
work anti-social hours, mostly in the evenings and at
weekends. The environment is not always a structured one and
sometimes can be stressful.
Daily Activities
Outreach workers focus on a defined area within the authority
establishing links with young people. They seek to engage
with them in their own environment in an attempt to prevent the use
of harmful drugs through education. Their work also includes
directing people to sources of help in giving up drugs. Often
the youth workers are employed on a Drug Prevention and Awareness
Project (DPEAP) and are accountable to the project
co-ordinator. After they have familiarised themselves
with the geographical area of work, outreach workers will establish
links with youth centres and the like. They will join in with
drama, sports and other activities in order to get to know the
young people and gain their trust. Their contact with young
people requires a light touch and informality. Both formal
and informal education sessions will be arranged and the hard
issues of drug abuse faced. Even though the
outreach workers' role is to do with education and awareness, they
can organise counselling sessions and information about help that
is available for those who need it. If it is alcohol that is the
problem, clients can be referred to Alcoholics Anonymous, for
example. For the variety of drug abuses that young people may fall
prey to, there are agencies that they can be directed to.
This may include GPs and hospitals.
Outreach workers do not, on their own, make medical or
specialist psychological judgements but refer appropriate cases to
experts. They will also work closely with social
workers. In general the youth workers' main function is to
build up contacts with the local community and established services
for young people, and work on educating their clients before
substance and alcohol abuse becomes a problem. This will
entail developing strategies to meet identified needs and promote
the service of the DPEAP within the community. As the causes
of abuse may involve a host of other factors, contact with the
family is crucial too.
Skills & Interests
To do the job well you would need to have:
- the flexibility to adapt to change and work effectively in a
variety of situations, groups or individuals;
- the ability to plan and deliver work effectively;
- the ability to receive, understand and convey information and
ideas well, using oral and written communication skills;
- good health and stamina;
- a willingness to work unsociable hours;
- a commitment to continuous professional development;
- organisational skills;
- the ability to draw out the strengths of young people in formal
and informal situations.
In terms of knowledge, you should have an understanding of:
- youth work as an educational process;
- how youth work is delivered within an equal opportunities
framework;
- issues affecting the lives of young people.
In essence, you should be 'streetwise'.
Entry Requirements
As you can work as both a qualified and unqualified youth worker
and on a full or part time basis, experience is the key. Most
of the following would be expected:
- work with young people and adults in formal and informal
settings; • work with groups and individuals;
- having organized a programme of social education
activities;
- face-to-face youth delivery work;
- experience in developing clear professional boundaries with
young people and adults;
- having worked with committees.
In addition, a certificate in youth work or the equivalent is
helpful. A good general education is usually required with
GCSEs in a minimum of 3 subjects.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There are many opportunities available in the field of education
and social work but no clear promotion path except, after
qualification, to Project Leader/Co-ordinator. With outreach work
there is the chance to work on special issues like mental health,
asylum seekers, Aids and so on. As a long term aim you could
progress by aiming for the Diploma in Social Work or a post in the
probation service. In adult education, there are opportunities in
basic skills literacy and numeracy work.
Further Information & Services
Alcoholics Anonymous www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/Professionals
British Association of Social Workers www.basw.co.uk/about
British Sociological Association www.britsoc.co.uk
Care Council for Wales www.ccwales.org.uk
Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare
DrugScope www.drugscope.org.uk
Skills for Care www.skillsforcare.org.uk
Social Care Association www.socialcareassociation.co.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.