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Youth Counsellor Courses

Youth Counsellors assist young people with emotional and personal issues, fostering strategies to address mental health, relationships, and trauma.

    • AI Exposure: High

      This role has a high level of AI exposure. While some human skills are required, many tasks could be automated or replaced by new technology.

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  • This role has a high level of AI exposure. While some human skills are required, many tasks could be automated or replaced by new technology.
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • SA
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a Youth Counsellor?

Get qualified to work as a Youth Counsellor with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Youth Counsellor generally earns $1,500 per week ($78,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience can you expect a higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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There are approximately 12,300 Youth Workers and Counsellors employed in Australia right now. They are mostly employed by government departments, healthcare facilities, schools and community service organisations.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Youth Counsellors usually need a bachelor’s degree in social work or psychology, but you could also get started with a Diploma of Counselling and a Certificate IV of Youth Work. The Diploma takes 12 months to complete and requires a work placement. You will also require a national police check and working with children clearance.

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Further reading

How to start a career in Youth Work

25th May 2021

How to start a career in counselling

7th September 2020

What can you do with a Diploma of Youth Work?

2nd November 2020

All youth counsellor courses

Youth Counsellor careers

Youth Counsellors support young people as they work through personal and emotional issues — helping them develop strategies for problems with relationships, family, school, finances addictions, sexual identity, trauma, or mental health. Youth Counsellors often work at call centres for charities and community service organisations.

As a Youth Counsellor you will need confidence, compassion and empathy — plus the ability to communicate with young people who may be suffering from mental health problems or addictions. You’ll could also be working with a range of government departments, case workers, and family members as you develop rehabilitation programs and therapies for your clients.

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