Youth Work

GWhizz · Post by **GWhizz** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:48 pm

Just wondering

I volunteer as a youth worker each week and have been trying to get a paid job in this for sometime. What i'm wondering is, is this a job a dyspraxic person would do

What pros/cons does this give me?

robyn · Post by **robyn** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:59 pm

I work at a residential school with teenagers with behaviour and educational problems. I think dyspraxia is an asset in this kind of job. many of my positive dyspraxic traits, empathy, perseptiveness, creativty, are the qualities that employers in this field look for. they enable me to be a good problem solver, understanding towards the kids (sounds obvious, but is acctually difficult cause our kids are v violent and abusive), adapt my communication skills to their needs and use my own initiative, which is invaluable cause everyday is different in my job. if you feel you do a good job when your volenteering then go for it. entusiasm and a thick skin are also necessary when working with teenagers. Good luck!

GWhizz · Post by **GWhizz** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:22 am

Hi folks

I went for an interview last week, gave as good as I could was told that it was a good strong interview, told them I had dyspraxia. had trouble in expalining my answers but when it came down to it they were worried that I wouldn't be able explain my ideas with the young people they would like to have another meet to talk about (I think?) on how dyspraxia affects me he said that they took it into account but what did they take into account??? at the moment I am reeling from it. Felt it was mine

I have to keep going somehow i'm all out of patience and strength and just finding the power to do this is so hard

robyn · Post by **robyn** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 4:18 pm

try pointing out to them that dysraxic problems (like trouble explaining yourself) is more difficult when you're under pressure, explaining stuff to kids is alot less stressful than going for an interview so you'd propbly manage much better then, especially as you already have expierience for your volantary work.

Nicky · Post by **Nicky** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 3:21 pm

Hi GWhizz,

I was just wondering how your chat went in the end and whether you got the job. Whilst in stressful conditions I also freeze and panic, I work with children with behavioural and educational needs and find communicating with them just fine.

Hope you got the Job,
Nicky.

GWhizz · Post by **GWhizz** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 4:28 pm

I'm sorry to say this but i didn't get the job but i'm still going. i'm trying pick myself up and start again. Going to go to recruitment agencies to see what I can get. But like you said when I'm with the young people communicating and I have started an nvq level 2 in youth work and he came over to observe what I do and he said "You have an inate working practice with the young people"

Nicky · Post by **Nicky** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 4:37 pm

That's a shame, but I'm sure you can find something even better! Good luck.

GiantHam · Post by **GiantHam** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 7:58 pm

I used to work with youth before i quit because of school and occupational therapy. But I told my boss about my problems and he did not have any problems with it. HE said just let me know what you need and we can see what we can do! I am hoping to go back and volunteer there soon.