Do I need a qualification to be a youth worker?

Not for every role. Many employers ask for a Level 2 or Level 3 youth work qualification, but some will hire you with relevant experience and support you to study. Always check the advert.

Can volunteering count as experience?

Yes. Youth clubs, sports coaching, scouts, guides and mentoring all count. Say how often you went and what you were responsible for.

How do I show I can keep young people safe?

List your safeguarding training and DBS check, and describe how you follow procedures, such as recording concerns and reporting them to the designated lead.

Youth worker CV example

A strong youth worker CV shows that you can build trust with young people, run activities they want to join and keep them safe. It should describe your safeguarding training, a current enhanced DBS check and any youth work qualification, such as Level 2 or Level 3.

Profile

Approachable youth worker with four years of experience running evening sessions and activities for 11 to 18 year olds at a busy community youth club. Skilled at building trust, settling conflict calmly and helping young people try new things. Holds a Level 2 youth work qualification, safeguarding training and an enhanced DBS check.

Experience

Youth Worker

a community youth club in a town centre

Ran weekly evening sessions for around 30 young people aged 11 to 18, including sport, cooking and music nights

Built trusting relationships with regular members and gave one-to-one support when they had problems at home or school

Followed safeguarding procedures and passed concerns to the designated lead the same night

Supported a group of eight young people to plan and run a charity bake sale, including budgeting and publicity

Kept session registers, incident forms and notes up to date for the club manager and funders

Sports Activity Leader (part-time)

a holiday play scheme

Led football and team games for groups of up to 20 children aged 8 to 13 during school holidays

Changed the rules of games so quieter children could join in and feel included

Carried out equipment and venue checks before each session

Worked with a team of five staff to keep supervision and ratios safe on trips

Example · fictional candidate · Sage design · Use this design

Tips for a youth worker CV

Say which age groups you work with and in what settings, such as a club, a school or on the street
Show impact with real examples, such as a group you helped start or a young person you supported to reach a goal, without naming them
List safeguarding training and your DBS check with dates
Mention any youth work qualification, and say if you are working towards one
Include activities you planned and ran yourself, not only ones you helped with
Explain how you handle conflict, since it is a large part of the role

Applying with a cover letter? See our youth worker cover letter example.