Youth counselors work for a variety of employers, including educational institutions, religious organizations and social services agencies. Planning for a youth counselor career can start with enrolling in a specialized Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program such as the flexible, 100% online BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy program offered by Florida Institute of Technology.
Youth Counselor Job Duties
Job duties of youth counselors vary depending on their specialty and employer. Generally, youth counselor job responsibilities include supervising and interacting with children or teenagers, assisting them in resolving problems and ensuring their physical and emotional needs are being met. Youth counselors may specialize in a mental health area such as childhood depression, abuse or ADHD. Other youth counselors specialize in working with people with disabilities, and substance abuse youth counselors help those they counsel overcome addiction issues.
Interviewing clients and their families, meeting with them regularly and referring them for other social services are some of a youth counselor’s typical responsibilities. Scheduling and coordinating activities, meeting with social workers and other professionals, writing reports and completing client paperwork are also important aspects of this position.
A youth counselor may work in multiple settings, including schools, correctional facilities, group residential homes, hospitals, clinics, juvenile detention centers, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, government agencies and private practices. Youth counselors may work independently or as part of a team of psychologists, social workers and teachers.
Job Outlook for Youth Counselors and Other Mental Health Professionals
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the broader job classification of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will experience 18% employment growth from 2022 to 2032, roughly six times faster than the national average for all occupations. Growth rates within that classification will vary by discipline or area of specialization. Candidates who possess advanced educational qualifications along with relevant training and experience generally have stronger career options.
Potential Youth Counselor Salaries
BLS reports that the counselor occupational group earned a median annual wage of $53,710 in 2023, with salaries for the top 10% of earners in the field exceeding $89,920. Potential salary ranges — as with employment opportunities — vary according to multiple factors, including a candidate’s work history and level of educational attainment, regional market conditions and employer type and size.
Education and Training
Education and training requirements for youth counselor jobs vary by employer, and licensing requirements vary by state. Entry-level positions in this field are typically open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree.
According to Indeed’s career guide, the first step for individuals interested in a youth counselor career is to earn a psychology- or social work-oriented bachelor’s degree. Specialized programs like Florida Tech’s online BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy concentration provide tailored studies for those interested in meaningful careers working with children.
Coursework typically covers subjects like lifespan development and psychology, multicultural issues, learning and motivation, child psychology and abnormal psychology. Completing a practicum or internship under the supervision of an experienced counselor in a school, clinic or social services agency can provide valuable experience and support career opportunities. Volunteering in youth homes and social services centers can also provide hands-on experience.
A degree program in applied psychology with a focus on child advocacy should prepare graduates to:
- Understand psychological principles and theories
- Examine and incorporate key concepts surrounding sociocultural issues
- Apply best practices to issues such as substance abuse, crime prevention and juvenile delinquency
- Grasp the complexities of challenges facing adolescents and the organizations that advocate for youth
Hiring organizations and agencies may offer opportunities for continuing education. Such opportunities can make it possible for individuals to gain entry to the profession with a bachelor’s degree and then use an employer’s tuition assistance program to pay for a master’s degree in the field.
Not all positions require a graduate-level education, although a master’s degree and appropriate licensing and certification are generally necessary for career advancement in mental health counseling. Additionally, child and youth counselors may need to complete a supervised clinical experience and pass a state exam.
How to Determine if a Youth Counselor Career Is a Good Fit
Youth counselors must have excellent listening and communication skills in order to discuss a child’s development with parents, guardians, teachers and government officials. They must also be sympathetic, empathetic, caring and patient in dealing with children who have a wide range of mental and emotional issues.
For those who have a strong desire to help young people and possess a high level of maturity, flexibility, creative problem-solving and the relevant educational qualifications, a rewarding career as a youth counselor can be an excellent choice.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy program.
