Auxiliary Child and Youth Care Worker Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Assists young people as individuals or groups to solve social, emotional, developmental, behavioural and financial problems in an agency framework.
What does a Auxiliary Child and Youth Care Worker do?
An Auxiliary Child and Youth Care Worker supports young people individually or in groups within an agency setting. The work focuses on helping them address social, emotional, developmental, behavioural and financial challenges, while contributing to their care, stability and positive development.
How to become a Auxiliary Child and Youth Care Worker in South Africa
- Learn about child and youth care work and the types of social, emotional, developmental, behavioural and financial challenges young people may face.
- Consider a relevant training pathway, such as the Further Education and Training Certificate: Child and Youth Care Work (NQF level 4, 165 credits).
- Other relevant options include the Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (NQF level 5, 120 credits), National Higher Certificate: Child and Youth Development (NQF level 5, 240 credits), National Higher Certificate: Residential Child Care (NQF level 5, 120 credits), or Occupational Certificate: Child and Youth Care Worker (NQF level 5, 190 credits).
- Compare the available programmes and confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA or an appropriate provider before enrolling.
- Develop the ability to work respectfully with young people as individuals and in groups, within the procedures of an agency.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
This career suits someone who wants to support young people through varied social, emotional, developmental, behavioural and financial difficulties. Education can provide a useful foundation, but the most important preparation is building responsible, empathetic and practical ways of working with young people in an agency environment. Confirm current programme and provider details before making study decisions.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Life Orientation
- Life Sciences
- Business Studies
Skills that may help
- Active listening
- Empathy and emotional sensitivity
- Communication with individuals and groups
- Problem-solving
- Understanding of child and youth development
- Behaviour-support skills
- Organisation and record-keeping
- Professional teamwork within an agency