Want to Work With Children? Consider These 20 Careers That Help Kids and Teens
Few careers offer the chance to make a lasting impact like those that involve supporting children and teens. Whether they’re focused on enhancing learning, health, development, or emotional well-being, youth-focused careers help shape young lives while providing meaningful work.
Continue reading to discover 20 jobs working with children and teens. If you're ready to start building an academic foundation for these careers, we encourage you to learn more about the graduate degrees and undergraduate programs available at Bay Path University in education, healthcare, and psychology.
Making a Difference in Young Lives: Turning Passion Into a Profession
Those interested in careers working with children may find opportunities in several sectors, including:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Counseling
- Social services
- Recreation
These roles offer diverse ways to support young people's growth, development, and well-being. While requirements vary, many careers that help kids require formal education, such as a bachelor's or graduate degree, along with specialized training, certification, or professional licensure.
20 Meaningful Careers That Help Kids and Teens
Below is a list of impactful careers designed for individuals interested in jobs helping kids. From healthcare and education careers to careers in child development, psychology, and community services, each role offers unique ways to help young people as they navigate life challenges.
1. Elementary School Teacher
Elementary school teachers provide instruction in core academic subjects while fostering healthy social, emotional, and behavioral development. They create lesson plans, assess student progress, and manage classrooms. They also play a crucial role in encouraging curiosity and confidence.
- Typical Responsibilities: Teaching academic subjects, grading assignments, managing classroom behavior, developing lesson plans, communicating with parents, and collaborating with administrators
- Workplace Environment: Public, private, or charter elementary schools
- Typical Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in education and state teaching licensure
2. Daycare or Preschool Teacher
Preschool teachers and childcare workers care for and educate young children in early childhood settings. They facilitate age-appropriate learning activities, encourage social development, and help children develop foundational communication and motor skills. Their work helps prepare young learners for future educational experiences while providing nurturing daily care.
3. Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers work with students who have disabilities or unique learning needs. They develop individualized instruction, collaborate with families and specialists, and help students achieve academic and developmental goals. Their work advocates for inclusion and student independence.
- Typical Responsibilities: Implementing individualized education programs (IEPs), adapting curricula, assessing student progress, and collaborating with support teams
- Workplace Environment: Public and private schools and specialized educational programs
- Typical Education Requirements: Bachelor's or master's degree in special education and state licensure; some positions require graduate study
4. School Counselor
School counselors help students navigate academic, social, emotional, and career-related challenges through individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention efforts. Their work promotes student well-being, academic achievement, and healthy decision-making throughout a student's educational journey.
- Typical Responsibilities: Counseling students, academic planning, crisis support, career guidance, and family collaboration
- Workplace Environment: Elementary, middle, and high schools
- Typical Education Requirements: Master's degree in school counseling and state certification or licensure
5. School Adjustment Counselor
School adjustment counselors help students overcome emotional, behavioral, and social challenges that affect learning. They provide counseling services and coordinate interventions, with the goal of improving student adjustment, emotional health, and success within the school environment.
- Typical Responsibilities: Individual counseling, behavioral interventions, crisis support, and consultation with teachers and parents
- Workplace Environment: K-12 schools
- Typical Education Requirements: Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, social work, or a related field; clinical licensure requirements vary (LICSW or LMHC)
6. Child and Adolescent Therapist
Child and adolescent therapists provide mental health counseling to young people experiencing emotional, behavioral, social, developmental, or psychological concerns. They use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help clients develop coping skills and address challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or family-related difficulties.
- Typical Responsibilities: Conducting therapy sessions, treatment planning, family counseling, and progress documentation
- Workplace Environment: Clinics, hospitals, schools, private practices, or community agencies
- Typical Education Requirements: Master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling, clinical psychology, or a related field; professional state licensure required (LMHC, LICSW, or equivalent)
7. Applied Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) assess behavior and design interventions that improve communication, social skills, learning, and independence. They frequently support individuals with autism or other developmental conditions, with their work involving everything from data collection and behavior analysis to caregiver training and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Typical Responsibilities: Behavioral assessments, intervention planning, data analysis, and caregiver and staff training
- Workplace Environment: Schools, clinics, homes, and healthcare agencies
- Typical Education Requirements: Master's degree in applied behavior analysis, BCBA certification, and supervised field experience
8. Autism Specialist
Autism specialists support children and teens on the autism spectrum by developing individualized strategies that enhance social interaction, learning, and independence. They collaborate with families, educators, and therapists to address developmental goals and create environments tailored to each student's unique strengths and needs.
- Typical Responsibilities: Assessing needs, implementing interventions, training staff, and supporting families
- Workplace Environment: Schools, clinics, community organizations, and therapy centers
- Typical Education Requirements: Bachelor's or master's degree with an autism specialization; a specialized license or an autism endorsement certificate may be required
9. School Nurse
School nurses promote student health and well-being by providing medical care, responding to emergencies, and developing health education initiatives. They serve as healthcare resources within schools and help ensure students can safely participate in learning.
- Typical Responsibilities: Administering medications, treating injuries, performing health screenings, and providing emergency response
- Workplace Environment: Elementary, middle, and high schools
- Typical Education Requirements: Nursing degree, RN licensure, and additional school nurse credentials (such as a master's degree in school nursing) in some states
10. School Psychologist
School psychologists enhance students' academic, emotional, behavioral, and social development through assessment, consultation, counseling, and intervention services. They help identify learning or mental health concerns and develop strategies that improve student outcomes and educational experiences.
- Typical Responsibilities: Psychological assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and special education support
- Workplace Environment: Public and private schools
- Typical Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Child Psychology
11. Social Worker (Child and Family)
Child and family social workers help children and families access resources, address challenges, and improve well-being. They advocate for vulnerable populations, provide counseling and case management, and coordinate services that encourage healthy development in homes, schools, and communities.
- Typical Responsibilities: Case management, resource coordination, counseling, advocacy, and family support
- Workplace Environment: Schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and healthcare settings
- Typical Education Requirements: Bachelor's or master's degree in social work; licensure (LICSW or LCSW) required for clinical practice
12. Pediatric Healthcare Professional (Nurse, PA, or Health Sciences)
Pediatric healthcare professionals provide medical care to infants, children, and adolescents. They assess health concerns and administer treatments to support healthy development. Depending on the role, they may serve young patients in primary care, specialty medicine, hospitals, or community health settings.
- Typical Responsibilities: Patient assessments, treatment planning, health education, and preventative care
- Workplace Environment: Hospitals, clinics, pediatric practices, public health organizations, and healthcare centers
- Typical Education Requirements: Varies by role; nursing (RN through BSN or MSN), physician assistant (PA through master's degree), or health sciences (through bachelor's degree or graduate program); licensure required
13. Health and Wellness Educator (School-Based)
School-based health and wellness educators teach students about fitness, nutrition, mental wellness, and healthy decision-making. They design educational programs that promote lifelong wellness habits while helping students understand how personal choices impact overall well-being.
- Typical Responsibilities: Health instruction, curriculum development, wellness programming, and student outreach
- Workplace Environment: Schools, school districts, and community education programs
- Typical Education Requirements: Bachelor's or master's degree in health education or a related field; teaching licensure required for school-based roles
14. ESL/ELL Teacher
ESL/ELL teachers support students whose primary language is not English. They help learners develop language proficiency and access academic content across subjects. Through specialized instruction and cultural responsiveness, these educators promote communication skills, academic achievement, and successful integration into school communities.
- Typical Responsibilities: Language instruction, progress assessment, curriculum adaptation, and family communication
- Workplace Environment: Public and private schools and multilingual education programs
- Typical Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree and teaching license; some roles require a master's degree in TESOL (English as a second language) and ESL/ELL endorsement or certification
15. Youth Program Director or Human Services Coordinator
Youth program directors and human services coordinators oversee programs that support children and teens through educational, recreational, and community-based services. They develop programming, coordinate resources, and ensure participants receive meaningful opportunities that foster growth and engagement.
- Typical Responsibilities: Program management, staff supervision, budgeting, community partnerships, and participant support
- Workplace Environment: Nonprofits, community centers, youth organizations, and government agencies
- Typical Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field; master's degree preferred for leadership roles
16. Transition Specialist
Transition specialists help adolescents and young adults prepare for life after high school. They support career exploration, postsecondary planning, and independent living skills. In many cases, they work with students receiving special education services to help create pathways toward successful adulthood.
- Typical Responsibilities: Transition planning, career readiness training, resource coordination, and student advocacy
- Workplace Environment: Schools, vocational programs, and community agencies
- Typical Education Requirements: Master's degree or post-master's certificate in special education, counseling, or a related field
17. Substance Abuse Counselor (Adolescent-Focused)
Adolescent-focused substance abuse counselors help young people address substance use disorders and related behavioral challenges. They provide counseling and education along with treatment planning and family support services. Their work promotes recovery, resilience, and healthier choices while helping adolescents build skills for long-term success.
- Typical Responsibilities: Individual and group counseling, treatment planning, family engagement, and relapse prevention
- Workplace Environment: Treatment centers, schools, healthcare facilities, and community agencies
- Typical Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree minimum; master's degree preferred; state counseling license required for clinical practice
18. School Librarian or Library Media Specialist
School librarians and library media specialists manage educational resources while teaching students research, information literacy, and digital citizenship skills. They foster a love of reading, support classroom instruction, and help students navigate information effectively in both traditional and digital learning environments.
- Typical Responsibilities: Managing collections, teaching research skills, supporting literacy initiatives, and integrating technology
- Workplace Environment: Elementary, middle, and high schools
- Typical Education Requirements: Certification or master's degree in library science; state certification required for school settings; teaching experience in some states
19. Educational Leader or School Administrator
Educational leaders and school administrators oversee school operations, instructional programs, and student success initiatives. They create positive learning environments and establish policies to help ensure schools effectively serve students, families, and communities while meeting educational standards.
- Typical Responsibilities: School leadership, personnel management, budgeting, policy implementation, and strategic planning
- Workplace Environment: Schools, districts, and educational organizations
- Typical Education Requirements: Master's degree or doctorate in educational leadership or administration; administrative licensure required
20. Trauma-Informed Practitioner
Trauma-informed practitioners support children and teens affected by adverse experiences by applying science-based approaches that emphasize safety, trust, and resilience. They recognize how trauma impacts development and learning, helping create supportive environments that enhance long-term well-being.
- Typical Responsibilities: Assessment, intervention planning, counseling support, staff consultation, and family engagement
- Workplace Environment: Schools, healthcare settings, nonprofits, and community agencies
- Typical Education Requirements: Varies by profession; bachelor's or master's degree in a helping profession, plus specialized trauma-informed training
Find Your Path to Working With Kids at Bay Path University
Whether your interests lie in education, healthcare, counseling, or community services, these careers offer meaningful opportunities to positively influence the lives of children and teens while creating a rewarding career. Begin building an academic foundation for your professional future by requesting information about the many graduate and undergraduate degree programs available at Bay Path University or applying today.
