National Diploma in Youth Work (Level 6)

The National Diploma in Youth Work (Level 6) [Ref: 0670] provides recognition of the level of competence, knowledge, and skills required for professional youth work. People awarded this National Diploma are able to work with a considerable degree of autonomy and accountability for achieving outcomes as a youth work professional. They are able to establish and maintain working relationships with young people within their key environments, facilitate youth development and empowerment, provide leadership to young people and youth leaders, and integrate theory and practice at a senior level.

Their work is informed by knowledge and analysis of: agency structures, youth issues, historical perspectives of youth work; human development and health; law; safety management; professional supervision; relationships with tangata whenua; community and other networks; economic development; development and management of youth projects; and recognising, responding to, and reporting suicide risk factors.

People awarded this qualification work within a framework for practice informed by knowledge and skills in the application and implementation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, youth work codes of ethics, and the Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa. They practice in accordance with legislative boundaries, and demonstrate an integrated practice theory for working in youth work.

This qualification recognises that youth workers are employed in a variety of youth work settings such as church groups and recreation programmes for young people. It includes an elective section that will enable people to make choices that match the context and requirements of their present or future employment as youth workers.

The National Diploma in Youth Work (Level 6) [Ref: 0670] is designed as a professional qualification for youth workers. It leads on from the National Certificate in Youth Work (Level 4) [Ref: 0669]. There is some overlap between this diploma and the National Diploma in Community Work (Level 6) [Ref: 0987], National Diploma in Counselling (Level 6) [Ref: 0988], National Diploma in Iwi/Maori Social Services (Level 6) [Ref: 0667], and National Diploma in Social Work (Level 6) [Ref: 0989].

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