Kibble, a leading national children’s charity, is set to grow its workforce by recruiting 20 new people with a passion for social care and changing young lives for the better.
The charity, which provides specialist services for young people aged 5–26 who have experienced adversity or trauma, aims to recruit and train 20 new Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCWs) through its annual Career Start programme.
Those who complete the paid 12-month programme will gain a nationally recognised Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Social Services and are guaranteed an interview for a role starting at £31,000 per year, with further career development opportunities available.
Previous recruits to the programme include a former dental nurse of 15 years, a delivery driver, an engineer, stay-at-home parents and retail workers.
Niamh Stobie, a Child and Youth Care Worker at Kibble, demonstrates how the Scottish Government’s initiative ‘The Promise’ is embedded into daily life for young people in the charity’s residential houses.
Niamh said:
“The role of a Child and Youth Care Worker is crucial because our young people deserve the absolute best. We support some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children, many of whom have experienced significant trauma. Our job is to ensure they grow up feeling loved, safe and respected.
“I look for extra ways to promote The Promise, ensuring care-experienced families have the support they need to thrive and young people are loved, respected and safe.
“I maintain our ‘Promise folder’, which includes pictures of our young people, family feedback, good news, and updates from team meetings. Each young person also has their own folder containing feedback from parents and carers and positive updates shared with families.
“Growing up in care can be life-changing, but with caring staff, young people can realise their potential and enjoy the childhood they deserve. It’s so rewarding to see them thrive and know we played a part in their journey.”
Mark Macmillan, Director of Corporate Services at Kibble, said:
“Our Career Start programme provides an accessible pathway into social care, supporting candidates financially, educationally and practically. There’s no requirement for prior sector experience – we recruit based on values and provide the training needed to succeed.
“Being a Child and Youth Care Worker is hugely rewarding. With the right role models, we can truly change the trajectory of a young person’s life. That’s why we invest significantly in training, ensuring our staff can deliver the right care, at the right time, to those who need it most.”
For more information or to apply, visit Kibble’s Career Start page: https://www.kibble.org/work-with-us/career-start-in-child-and-youth-care.
Photo Credit: Kibble