Means building positive relationships with individuals and groups. The youth worker is a master in interacting well with young people as well as with international partners and contributes to smooth communication regarding programmes and projects. Communication is one of the key aspects of youth work. This competence area goes beyond simple communication models and tools. The youth worker also constructively handles emotions, inspiration, intuition, empathy and personalities.
Behaviours
Behaviour encompasses attitudes [and actions], knowledge, and skills. Through behaviour we can assess the competence level of the youth worker and whether it is sufficient for his/her work. In short: behaviour reflects the underlying attitudes of a youth worker.
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match knowledge, theories and experiences to the reality and the identities in the group (explicitly or implicitly)
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listen carefully to others, without judgement, interruption and, if possible, in an unbiased manner
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am attentive to body language
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demonstrate understanding of what sparks emotions and how to deal with this accordingly
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self-reflect to determine own feelings and emotions and understands their impact on others
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addresses others’ unexpressed concerns, feelings, or interests
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am transparent about own personal emotional state and shares thoughts in a simple manner
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create an environment, both online and offline, where feelings and emotions can be freely and respectfully expressed
Knowledge
gained through experience, books, the Internet, etc.
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knowledge of the different dimensions and elements of active listening and non-verbal communication
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knowledge of empathy-related mechanisms
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being up-to-date on current concepts and theories with regard to diversity
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knowing about the different dimensions of identity
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knowing various methods and approaches in working with different groups of people
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knowledge about hate speech and fake news phenomena and how to address them
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understanding of different ways in which solidarity can be acted on/expressed, including online
Skills
ability to perform a task, to apply knowledge and turn attitudes into actions
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ability to actively listen
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ability to encourage sharing and mutual support within the group
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knowing how to develop, adapt and apply methods that support awareness of one’s own identity and its intrinsic elements
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ability to demonstrate empathy in a way that others can learn from it
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ability to deal with fake news and other information disorders in a way that others can learn from it
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ability to deal with emotions and to ask for support when needed
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ability to speak in another language than one’s mother tongue, where needed
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ability to communicate at eye level with everyone involved
Attitudes
Attitudes (the youth worker’s willingness) are the pre-requisite, the foundation for competence development. They lead to knowledge and skills.
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openness to expressions of feelings and emotions (one’s own and others’)
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readiness to challenge oneself and others
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readiness to take a step back and reflect (e.g. on one’s own perceptions, understanding, feelings)
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awareness of the unique yet complex approach to one’s identity and how to deal with it when working in a group
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sensitivity and openness to diversity
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willingness to learn about the backgrounds/contexts/realities of the young people
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awareness of the different ways to share feelings, emotions, opinions, as well as to show solidarity, both online and offline
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confidence and courage to act in solidarity
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commitment to address and challenge a ‘them and us’ mindset in a group
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commitment to critically reflect on different sources of information