Who’s Who on Your Youth Team?

There will always be times when a young person needs extra support and guidance from a trained professional. Here at The Y we have youth workers and social workers who work collaboratively with taiohi, and counsellors may also play an important part of the wider team.

The roles of youth workers, social workers, and counsellors have distinct focuses and responsibilities. Recognising the differences ensures that young people receive the right support at the right time, leading to better outcomes for their well-being and development.

Youth Workers

Role: Youth workers focus on empowering and supporting young people. They help rangatahi develop life skills, build resilience, and navigate challenges. The young person’s interests are always at the centre of this work.

Qualifications: They may have qualifications in youth work, education, or related fields, or they may have no qualifications at all! At The Y our youth workers hold (or are working towards) youth work qualifications and are bound by The Code of Ethics for Youth Work in Aotearoa New Zealand. They also work under the supervision of a qualified social worker.

Scope of Practice: Youth workers build positive relationships with young people, offering guidance, mentorship, and advocacy. They facilitate youth development programmes, workshops, and activities. Their work aims to empower young individuals, enhance resilience, and address specific youth-related issues.

Focus on Young People: Youth workers work directly with young people, addressing issues like identity, peer pressure, education, and employment. They encourage positive choices and provide guidance.

Social Workers

Role: Social workers are professionals who work with individuals, families, and communities to address social issues, promote well-being, and enhance quality of life. They take a systems-wide view and often function as connectors to other services and agencies. They assess a young person’s needs and barriers to success, and then work to empower rangatahi to address those challenges.

Qualifications: They typically hold a degree in social work and are registered with the New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW).

Scope of Practice: Social workers address a wide range of issues, including poverty, family dynamics, child protection, housing, and access to resources. Their work can include case management, advocacy, community development, and policy work. They address social, emotional, and practical needs, often within a holistic context. They collaborate with other professionals and agencies to provide comprehensive support, and may also incorporate counselling into their practice.

Focus on Young People: Social workers often engage with young people facing challenges such as abuse, neglect, homelessness, and family breakdowns. They advocate for their rights and provide practical support.

Counsellors

Role: Counsellors focus primarily on providing therapeutic support to individuals, couples, or groups.

Qualifications: Counsellors need to hold either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counselling in order to qualify as a professional counsellor and attain membership of NZAC (NZ Association of Counsellors). 

Scope of Practice: Counsellors offer a safe space for clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. They use evidence-based techniques to address mental health, emotional, and relational challenges.

Focus on Young People: Counsellors who specialise in working with young people often provide support for issues like bullying, self-esteem, peer relationships, and academic stress.