Youth counselors provide guidance and social services for children and adolescents facing behavioral problems and adverse life obstacles. They work in various contexts and need to be patient, empathetic, and authoritative. Requirements vary, but most have at least a bachelor’s degree and attend specialized training courses. Advanced degrees can lead to higher positions in the field.
A youth counselor provides assistance, guidance and social services for children and adolescents. He or she works with young people who are struggling with behavioral problems and issues at home and at school. Youth counselors help their clients develop healthy lifestyle habits and motivate them to become productive citizens. Professionals work in a variety of contexts, and job-specific duties vary across workplaces. A youth counselor may work in a correctional facility, group home, drug rehabilitation clinic or social services office.
Young people facing adverse life obstacles such as parental abandonment, drug addiction or mental disorders depend on the services of youth counselors to learn how to overcome their problems. Most counselors enjoy their work immensely, and knowing that they positively impact the lives of so many children is a very rewarding feeling. However, some clients can be very difficult to help, especially if they don’t feel they need guidance. To do the job well, a youth counselor needs to be patient and empathetic at all times. He or she also needs to establish authority with confidence and have the determination to enforce the rules.
A youth counselor is usually responsible for overseeing the activities of many clients at the same time. He or she ensures that clients in a group home or correctional facility complete their scheduled tasks, show up for meetings with caseworkers, and take their medications. A counselor also spends one-on-one time with clients, helping them with homework or allowing them to express their personal feelings. Counselors act as role models for their clients, making smart lifestyle choices and showing respect.
Requirements to become a youth counselor vary by region and environment. Most active counselors have at least bachelor’s degrees in psychology, social work, or a related field. New counselors often attend several days of specialized training courses that cover topics specifically related to working with children. They are given tips on how to interact with young people and handle difficult situations when customers take action. Counselors learn how to restrain physically violent clients and what to do in an emergency. After completing training courses, new employees typically join experienced counselors for about two weeks to gain hands-on experience.
A youth counselor who wants to advance in the field often needs to pursue continuing education. A master’s or higher in psychology, counseling, or social work qualifies an individual to provide case management and clinical therapy services to clients. Professionals who earn advanced degrees and complete licensure requirements can become private practice psychologists or family consultants in government social service departments.
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