A care worker who joined Paisley children’s charity Kibble at 64 hopes her story will encourage others with life experience to consider a career in care.
Jackie Steven, from East Kilbride, joined Kibble in April as a night service child and youth care worker. She had no previous experience of night shifts or residential care.
Her career included running employability centres for young unemployed people, working as a finance and business operations manager at a university and spending 13 years as a high school classroom assistant.
She now supports children and young people who have experienced trauma and adversity, offering reassurance and a safe environment through the night.
Jackie said: “Kibble gave me an opportunity at 64 when I still had so much to offer.
“Before I applied to Kibble, I had to take a temporary contract for a year, which was a worrying time of uncertainty as I still had a mortgage and bills to pay. I was keen to find a new role where I could put my experience to good use. Kibble recognised the skills I could bring to the team and gave me the chance to start a new chapter, which has been really positive for me, both financially and mentally.
“I hope my story encourages others who have years of life experience to consider a career at Kibble.”
The night shift rota runs Sunday to Tuesday or Wednesday to Friday, with alternating Saturdays. Staff have three or four days off each week.
For Jackie, this leaves time to help her daughter and spend time with her grandchildren, five-year-old Theo and baby twins Rocco and Rome.
She added: “For me, that means I can spend time with my daughter’s new twins and help during the day, which would have been difficult in a nine-to-five role. Working nights at Kibble really has given me extra precious time with my grandchildren.”
Photo: Jackie Steven joined Kibble aged 64 and says working nights gives her more time with her grandchildren.
Photo Credit: Kibble Education & Care Centre
Photo: Jackie Steven’s grandchildren, five-year-old Theo and baby twins Rocco and Rome. Working nights at Kibble gives her more time to spend with them.
Photo Credit: Jackie Steven
A typical night begins with a team catch-up about the day’s events in the house and checking in with the young people.
Staff carry out safety checks, support anyone having difficulty sleeping and prepare notes for the morning team.
Jackie moves between houses to provide support across Kibble’s residential services. Her work has included its Paisley and Lochwinnoch campuses, early years and Safe Centre services, and residential houses in local communities.
She said the best part of the job is “when a young person seeks you out because they trust you and feel safe with you.”
Jackie said: “Working with people and managing teams taught me to be adaptable, communicate clearly and deal with situations as they arise.
“Raising three children has given me valuable experience. I also spent 13 years as a classroom assistant, supporting secondary school pupils, as well as working with teenagers who were unemployed, supporting them to find work or continue with further education.”
She also spoke about the support she received while adjusting to the role.
She said: “I never feel alone because the night team bend over backwards to support one another and offer guidance. Their support kept me going when I was finding my feet and adjusting to the role.”
Mark Macmillan, chief executive of Kibble, said: “Jackie’s story shows that a career in care can begin at any stage of life. She brought decades of experience of working with people, managing teams and supporting young people in a school setting.
“Our night teams do important work, offering young people patience, warmth and consistency.
“We would encourage anyone who is caring and wants to make a difference to apply, whatever their background and whatever stage of their career they are at.”
Photo: Kibble chief executive Mark Macmillan (above) is encouraging people to consider a career in care, whatever their background or stage of life.
Photo Credit: Kibble Education & Care Centre
Kibble is currently recruiting across a range of roles, including dedicated night shift positions.
The charity also offers early and back shifts and job-share opportunities. Its Further Study Programme supports employees to gain relevant qualifications and progress their careers.
Further information is available at kibble.org.