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Youth Worker Mock Interview

Question 15 of 30 for our Youth Worker Mock Interview

Youth Worker was updated by on December 9th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 15 of 30

How do you respond when you notice signs of drug abuse or other destructive behavior?

"In my current role, we are a dry facility, so I follow the guidelines and procedures as policy dictates, but that can still happen with the least amount of confrontation and judgment. It is very typical to see high-risk youth who display this behavior, substance abuse, and is precisely the reason why I do what I do, as best as I can. But to stick around, they have to get clean. When they don't, I hope that they come back next time and do the work required to remain in our program."

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How to Answer: How do you respond when you notice signs of drug abuse or other destructive behavior?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Youth Worker job interview.

  • 15. How do you respond when you notice signs of drug abuse or other destructive behavior?

      What You Need to Know

      Part of your responsibility as a Youth Worker is to pay attention to signs of abusive and destructive behavior. You need to know what to look out for so that you can step in to help the youth in your care in an appropriate manner. When a situation is past the point of prevention, you will also need to know how to respond. Your reply will depend on the level of care that the hiring institution offers, and will also depend on whether the center is a dry facility or rehabilitation center.

      When you answer this question, take a thoughtful, proactive approach. Show the interviewer that you come prepared for these types of situations. If you're not quite sure what to do, reflect on your education and volunteer experience.

      Written by Rachelle Enns on May 21st, 2013

      Entry Level Example

      "In my current role, we are a dry facility, so I follow the guidelines and procedures as policy dictates, but that can still happen with the least amount of confrontation and judgment. It is very typical to see high-risk youth who display this behavior, substance abuse, and is precisely the reason why I do what I do, as best as I can. But to stick around, they have to get clean. When they don't, I hope that they come back next time and do the work required to remain in our program."

      Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2022

      Experienced Example

      "It is not my place to judge; it is my place, however, to support and be as positive and safe as I possibly can. When they come to our center for help, they have often lost that sense-of-self, or it has been taken away from them by previous trauma, pain, and suffering. Accept them for who they are, including accepting their circumstances and their choices, including chronic drug use or self-abuse. The trick is helping them see their self-worth, which they can see more clearly when they are clean and sober, not self-harming, and have access to emotional support."

      Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I will respond calmly and clarify the details of drug abuse and report the matter to the supervisor or manager and give and follow the duty of care."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      Good! If you have ever encountered a situation like this, be sure to use your real-life example.
      "If I ever noticed signs of drug abuse, I would follow my duty of care and report the matter to my supervisor or manager immediately."
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