One of the fastest growing career fields is for those who are seeking work with youth in some capacity. For this reason, many ask: do I need certifications for working with youth?
Do I Need to Be Certified?
The question of whether or not you need certifications for working with youth isn’t an easy one to answer. Each state has its own rules and boards set up for dealing with this. One thing you can count on for sure though is that those who work with youth in a professional capacity are expecting to undergo continued training in order to be sure they’re up to date with the latest advancements in child pedagogy and relationships. Therefore, earning a certification for working with youth will often help you fulfill those continuing education hours and contribute directly to your successful career.
What to Look for in a Training Organization
You’ll want to choose your training organization wisely though. One thing to look for in an organization offering certifications for working with youth is a strong framework of competencies. An organization should be able to specifically delineate which competencies you’ll learn while completing their certification program. Look for stated competencies such as specializations in youth mental health, development, communication with youth, the ethics of working with youth, behavioral interventions, and more. Only if a training organization is specific about what they’re offering can you be sure if their certifications for working with youth are worth pursuing.
