Youth Worker – Still an Invisible but Increasingly Important Profession

/ LT /

In Lithuania, growing attention is being paid to young people’s emotional well-being, engagement, and civic participation. However, few stop to consider who supports these processes – youth workers, who work closest to young people. Although the youth worker profession is not yet regulated by a specific legal act or included in Lithuania’s official classification of professions, it already has a tangible impact on the lives of thousands of young people.

When Did This Profession Begin to Take Shape?

Youth work as a field began developing in Europe in the mid-20th century and gained momentum with the increasing focus on non-formal education and youth rights. At the European Union level, youth work is recognized as a strategic area, as confirmed by numerous EU Council documents.

In Lithuania, the term "youth worker" began to be more widely used around 2008–2010, when the Department of Youth Affairs started systematically developing a national youth work system – organizing training, creating methodologies, and implementing principles based on international best practices. The need to strengthen professional youth work was clearly identified for the first time in the National Youth Policy Development Programme approved in 2011.

How Does One Become a Youth Worker?

Youth work is grounded in the ability to build relationships, facilitate group processes, apply non-formal education principles, manage conflicts, and reflect. Currently, there is no specific study program in Lithuania that provides a formal "youth worker" qualification. However, the field is most commonly entered by specialists with degrees in social work, education sciences, or pedagogy. Practical skills are acquired through training organized by the Youth Affairs Agency and non-governmental organizations.

A competency model for youth workers had been in use earlier, but it was updated and officially approved by the Youth Affairs Agency in 2022. This model helps to more clearly define the role of youth workers, the competencies required, and pathways for professional development.

In Vilnius, the Vilnius Youth Policy Centre (VJPC) plays a key role in this field – it coordinates the implementation of youth policy, organizes training, and initiates research on youth worker competencies and needs.

What Does a Youth Worker Do?

The role of a youth worker is highly diverse – ranging from individual support for young people to organizing public events, projects, or camps. They work based on the principles of open youth work – creating spaces where young people can be themselves, express their thoughts, and decide what they want to engage in. A youth worker is often the first adult who listens and provides support.

Where Do Youth Workers Work?

Youth workers in Lithuania operate in various environments and apply different work methods depending on the needs of young people.

Most commonly, they work:

1. In permanent structures:

• In open youth spaces and centers run by municipalities,

• In youth organizations,

• In some cases – in schools, collaborating with teachers or social workers.

2. In project-based or temporary initiatives:

• Within social initiatives and projects carried out by non-governmental organizations.

3. In outreach formats:

• In mobile teams that travel to smaller towns or villages,

• In street work – engaging with young people in public spaces and establishing contact in their natural environment.

Why Is This Important?

According to the latest data, young people (aged 14–29) make up more than 20% of Vilnius’ population – a significant part of the city’s community. Yet their voices are still too rarely heard in decision-making processes. Youth workers act as intermediaries between young people and institutions – helping them discover opportunities, overcome challenges, and participate more actively in society.