Q: I am interested in working as a youth worker abroad. How do I go about it?
There are very few real outlets for paid youth work opportunities abroad, although most people I have known to do this have started work in other countries as volunteers. The usual experiences include summer camps and schools and long-term exchange trips. It's important that you choose the right camp and that your experience is regulated and professionally overseen.
The National Youth Agency website has details of seasonal work and you might consider contacting Worldwide Volunteering or VSO if volunteering appeals to you. There are international projects such as Peace Boat but these are not permanent or paid placements. The British Council is another port of call for information on placements.
Often faith groups sponsor individuals and groups to take part in developmental or social projects. If you have a particular interest in a region or country, you could look into the faith work that supports this and make links with centres here.
There are certainly benefits to volunteering first. Apart from the fact that you don't have to commit to a long-term contract and can come home easily if things don't work out, you get to experience real life first hand, have a structured and supportive network around you and a professional back up should you need it. The idea of working abroad is an attractive one but isn't always as simple as it seems, so don't commit without caution.
Q: I finished my Level 3 in Youth and Community Studies last year and have been looking for a full-time job ever since. I know that I am a good overall youth worker but don't seem to get interviews. I don't really understand the need for a "person specification" and a CV. Are there jobs that don't require this?
CVs and person specifications provide different pieces of information about you. Essentially, your CV is about your life, education and work history.
The person specification is written especially to fit the job and it will highlight all the skills and experiences that you must have to do the job, which in addition will be laid out in the job description. What you need to do is show the employer that you can do the job by explaining how you would or have carried out each task.
So if it is asking for someone with team leader experience, for example, you must give details of how you have successfully done this in the past or show skills you have used in other ways that enable you to do so in the future. Good luck.
Q: A new worker has told members that she works in the local lap-dancing club at the weekend to fund herself through university. I feel this is something she should have kept to herself and don't think she should work with kids.
There are times when it is best to keep personal information to yourself. However, I wonder if you are being a little judgemental about this. I'd say have a chat with her and ask why she shared it before you make a decision and then perhaps explain the codes of personal disclosure. It might help to find out what she does in the club too ... she might just collect the glasses.
- Tracie Trimmer-Platman is a trained counsellor and senior adviser for London Youth. Email your workplace dilemmas to asktheexpert ywn@hotmail.co.uk.
