Youth Counsellor: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Youth Counsellor
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Youth Counsellor mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »What is a Youth Counsellor?
As a Youth Counsellor in the UK, you will work with young people to help them explore and resolve various challenges they face in their lives. By specialising in working with this age group, you will support them in finding their own solutions to issues like mental health, relationships, school problems and more.
Skills
- Active listening and communication skills
- Empathy and compassion
- Ability to build rapport and trust with young people
- Knowledge of mental health issues affecting young people
- Ability to provide emotional support and guidance
- Flexibility and adaptability in approach to counselling
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and ethical standards
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness
- Strong organizational and time management skills
Qualifications & Education
- No formal qualifications required for entry
- Relevant experience necessary
- Accreditation with a professional body via certification or diploma in counselling preferred by many employers
- Background checks, including a CRB check, likely required for counsellors working with vulnerable adults and/or families
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a youth counsellor in the UK, you can apply to become a youth worker if you have experience and qualifications in teaching, careers guidance, probation, or community development. You will need to complete a postgraduate qualification while working to gain professional youth worker status.
To become a youth counsellor in the UK, you typically need a bachelor's degree, completion of an internship or volunteer program, and entry-level work experience. Pursuing further studies and obtaining certification can also be beneficial for building your skills in youth counselling.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Youth Counsellor mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now