Youth Worker Professional Development Participation,Preferences, and Agency Support |
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| Authors: | William P Evans Lorie L Sicafuse Eric S Killian Laura A Davidson Deborah Loesch-Griffin |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Human Development , University of Nevada, Reno , Reno, Nevada, USA evans@unr.nevada.edu;3. Interdisciplinary Program in Social Psychology , University of Nevada, Reno , Reno, Nevada, USA;4. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Reno , Reno, Nevada, USA;5. Turning Point, Inc. , Virginia City, Nevada, USA |
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| Abstract: | Using a Web-based survey, this study examined youth workers' professional development participation, preferences, and levels of agency support and the relationships between these variables and youth worker characteristics. Results revealed a positive relationship between participation in professional development opportunities and youth workers' self-reported job competency but also indicated low levels of agency support for participation in continuing education. Though perceptions of critical training topics varied among program staff from different geographic areas, most youth workers reported similar training experiences and interests regardless of their individual characteristics. Collaborative approaches to training and professional development may result in increased exposure to a broad range of professional development opportunities and significantly enhance the quality of youth programming. |
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| Keywords: | out-of-school programs youth development training youth workers youth worker professional development |
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