Monday, March 29, 2010

Useful tools:

The day to day job as a youth facilitator differs, every day the youth are expected to be attending school. Responsibilities include enforcing the rules of the centre, and getting the workshop information put together. The info usually already together, unless it is a new topic brought up. This would mean researching and getting the information and being able to present it to the group. It is very helpful to do the workshops in a way that will help listeners pay attention. There are a lot of topics that can bring up some bad memories/"old baggage" that they have trouble talking about/ listening to.


So it is important Again to be very patient, and understanding to each persons personal experiences. In order to help the youth become responsible for owns space, they are expected to do a thorough cleaning once a week. Every day there’s a set time for Recreation time. Which is a time where they can play the sports they like, or just go for a walk. As a facilitator you are to help the youth find new ways to release stress and hurts that they may be holding on to. There are daily chores expected to be done by the youth, it will help it to become a habit, and gives opportunities to partake in outings/meetings.

Every week the youth are taking on outings depending on behavior and participation, it could either be Swimming, na/aa meetings, bowling etc. It would be your job to supervise the youth on these outings, making sure they aren’t trying to sneak off away from the group or trying to get any extra smokes (etc). Not only does this work need education/training, but also experience. In order to understand the hardships of overcoming any addiction. This doesn't even necessarily mean you had to be addicted to something; it can just be a passion for helping those who need and are looking for the help, because it can be because your life was affected by addiction at some point

So if your thinking of any job like this, it is very rewarding and feels good especially when the youth start feeling better. helping them increase their "Clean time", but don't expect it to seem as good as it sounds, lots of feelings of anger are expressed in the centre, its just a matter of helping them cool down/overcome what ever it is that’s effecting them.

3 comments:

  1. It sounds like an "average" day on this job really differs from day to day, but the expectations of compassion and patience for a youth care worker are always the same. I have a close friend in this profession and she has a lot of really rewarding and exciting days, but there are many too that are very emotionally draining and upsetting. I wonder if the training and coursework cover these emotional aspects as well?

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  2. I like the way you have phrased everything in different terms like "old baggage" I used to want to be a Social services working to be able to help children but it would be a lot to take on every day ! Is this what you are planning on being? if so.. good luck !

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  3. Yeah, I dont think I would want to be in the Social Services but I do want to help youth, and I do care about the issue on addiction. I do plan on getting into this career, but Im still not totally sure. I just know I want to work with Kids/Youth. and the issue I chose I do care about.
    And thanks!

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