Youth Worker Mock Interview
Practice 30 Youth Worker interview questions covering safeguarding, engagement strategies, and conflict resolution.
Question 27 of 30
If hired, how would you begin to assess the needs of the youth in our program?
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Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
Most organizations will have strict methods for measuring the needs of the participants in their programs. Be prepared to discuss how you monitor and review the quality and efficacy of a program, ensuring that it is supporting the youth.
As a Youth Worker, part of your role is to be observant and maintain accuracy in your assessments, notes, and recommendations. Your assessment methods should be helpful when making changes to organizational policies or the design of a program.
If you bring experience in program design, then take the time to talk about surveys or questionnaires you have implemented. The interviewer will want to hear that you are mindful of your approach and the organizations' policies and guidelines.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I diligently look out for numerous clues. First, I would assess if they appear malnourished, poorly groomed, or if it seems they are at risk of self-harm. I'd pay attention to who they are hanging out with, what their body language informs me, and how they choose to present themselves to the world. I'd take note of their attention level, if they are maintaining eye contact, and if their eyes are clear. Then, I'd create a preliminary action plan based on those factors."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"When it comes to youth, I use a variety of assessment techniques. I first take into consideration the preferred approach, as per my job training. I have experience with intakes, and each time I take on a new client, I assess their circumstances, their individual needs, and their unique goals, and make recommendations regarding the program type or approach that would best suit their needs, per the organization's policies and guidelines."
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Anonymous Answer
I assessed the need for the youth program with the support of the organization implementing it. After implementing prepared a report for evaluation through feedback and survey, then submitted to the organization.
Rachelle's Feedback
It sounds like you are well structured in your work, which is wonderful. I have reworded slightly to help with flow.
"In my current role, I assessed the needs by (action steps). Once I identified these needs, I gained the support of my organization to implement the program. Once the program was implemented, I prepared a report for evaluation by gaining feedback in the form of a survey. Then, I submitted the report to my organization."
Anonymous Answer
I would first assess the needs of the youth in line with what the organization's policies and goals are. I would consider the young person's personality, background, interests, and talents. Slowly, by getting to know the young person, I would identify where they may be lacking and where opportunity may lurk. For example, if they have a talent that they may be able to benefit off.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is a very well-rounded and thoughtful response; I just suggest adding a closing sentence to round out your thoughts. For example, "This individualized approach will allow me to best meet the needs of the young people."
Anonymous Answer
First, I would access program needs based on school policies and guidelines. When I assess the need of the young persons, I pay attention to who they are hanging out with, what their body language tells me, and how they are choosing to present themselves to the world. I also assess if they appear malnourished, poorly groomed, or if it seems they will self-harm. I take note of their attention level, if they are holding eye contact, and if their eyes are clear. By diligently looking out for numerous clues, I can make better recommendations regarding the program type or approach that will best suit them.
Stephanie's Feedback
Excellent response! It seems like you already have a great understanding of young people, how they develop, and how their needs can best be assessed. Good for you!
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