As a Youth Worker, what qualities are important for you to have in a supervisor?

What You Need to Know
Entry Level Example
Experienced Example
Community Answers

As a Youth Worker, your job is challenging, and you will need all the support you can get from your supervisor. It can be challenging to work with at-risk youth. Motivating and compassionate leaders will help you be the most effective at your job.

To prepare for this question, you could make a list of the traits you have admired in previous supervisors and mentors. Think about your ideal leader and work situation. Maybe they believe in you and encourage you when you feel discouraged. Perhaps they support you by training you in a new skill or offering helpful feedback when they see room for improvement. Keep your response positive, and be as specific as possible.

"I'd like a supervisor who will be good at their job, admits their own mistakes, and corrects them. Someone who trusts me and respects my work. Ideally, a supervisor who will have my back under the sticky circumstances that can arise in this job."

"For me to be successful as a Youth Worker, someone who is experienced and knowledgeable, who I can learn from and wholeheartedly respect, and who is approachable, and open to answering questions when I am not clear on a task or approach. Also, it's important to me that my supervisor can tell me when I need to do something better and then show me how to improve."

Anonymous Answer

"If I was a supervisor: I need to be polite, welcoming, caring, responsible, and accountable."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's great that you added in the fact that this is how you lead, as well.

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Anonymous Answer

"I think a good supervisor is someone who is respectful and respected, competent in their job, and fair."

Stephanie's Feedback

These are all great qualities for a supervisor to have! To deepen the impact of your response, I suggest personalizing it a bit by adding some key details about a previous supervisory relationship that worked for you or sharing more about the type of relationship that you seek to have with your supervisor. (For example: "In my last role, I really appreciated the fact that my supervisor initiated weekly check-ins with me to discuss job progress, always asking me how I was and what kind of support I needed. This personal touch really helped me to feel valued."

Anonymous Answer

"It would be great if a supervisor has more experience and knowledge than myself and was a motivating and compassionate leader. For example, in my practicum, my supervisor offers ways how to redirect a child with Autism spectrum. Other times she came along while I was playing basketball with children during recess to try to build relationships and teach them team play, cheering me on. Finally, she trusted me when I tried new things with a child and was willing to offer helpful feedback."

Stephanie's Feedback

The specific example of your practicum supervisor is helpful in capturing a snapshot of the type of supervision style that works well for you. To strengthen your response, I suggest adding a closing sentence to round out your answer and connect back to the question. For example: "This experience taught me a lot about the qualities that I value most in a supervisor, and I hope to find some of those qualities in my next supervisor as well."

Anonymous Answer

"I believe it's important to have the knowledge and understanding of accessibility for youth in the community, ranging from sports clubs, youth projects, and educational opportunities as well as supporting agencies that can provide help and opportunities to young people. I also believe it's important to have awareness of Safeguarding young people, to be diverse to give everyone equal opportunities no matter what race, age, ethnic background, disability, or gender."

Marcie's Feedback

It's definitely understandable that you'd want your supervisor to be knowledgeable, understand the importance of youth activities, know how to keep children safe, and believe in diversity. Have you ever had a supervisor like this who you could talk about? Do you yourself possess any of these qualities? Adding some more details will further strengthen your reply. Great job!