Youth Worker
A Youth Worker engages with young people aged approximately 12 to 25 years to provide support, mentoring, and access to services, particularly for those experiencing disadvantage, homelessness, or involvement with the justice system. In Australia, youth workers operate in community organisations, schools, local government, and residential settings.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Moderate and stable demand, with continued government investment in youth services, early intervention, and homelessness support.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- STSOLShort-Term Skilled Occupation List
Occupations eligible for shorter-term sponsored visas including Subclass 482 (short-term stream).
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- CWACWA
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Learn more →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | New South Wales | View nomination → |
| QLD | Queensland | View nomination → |
| WA | Western Australia | View nomination → |
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
| TAS | Tasmania | View nomination → |
| NT | Northern Territory | View nomination → |
| ACT | Australian Capital Territory | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Build trusting relationships with young people to provide case management and practical support
- Design and deliver youth programs and activities that address identified needs
- Advocate on behalf of young people with service systems and agencies
- Respond to crisis situations and provide early intervention support
Skills required
- Youth engagement and communication skills
- Knowledge of adolescent development and trauma-informed practice
- Understanding of relevant legislation including child protection and mandatory reporting
- Program facilitation and group work skills
Typical qualifications pathway
A Certificate IV or Diploma in Youth Work, or a bachelor's degree in Youth Work or Community Services, is typical. CWA is the assessing authority for migration purposes.
Visa & occupation list information
This occupation appears on the STSOL and CSOL. Eligible Australian skilled visa pathways include subclasses 186, 190, 482, 491, and 494. State nominations are available from nominating states and territories. For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
anzsco.com.au is information-only. For personalised advice on your situation, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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