To become a child and youth worker requires completing specific high school courses including 4 years of English, math, history and family & consumer science, 3 years of science, 2 years of economics, 1 year of health, and 2 years of child care and development. A bachelor's degree in a related field from a 3-year college program is also needed. Child and youth workers earn between $20,000 to $40,000 annually depending on experience level and work in non-profit or government programs, providing counseling, mentoring and support to children and youth in settings like shelters, clinics and group homes.