Kibble Admin, Author at Kibble: Specialist services & support for young people facing adversity - Page 19 of 33
Posted: April 6, 2020

Are you enthusiastic about working with children and young people and want to make a difference? Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we’re urgently recruiting Child and Youth Care Workers in the Paisley area to join our team.

We welcome people from a diverse range of backgrounds who can relate to young people, gain their trust and form positive relationships. If you have what it takes, apply online today.

What is a Child and Youth Care Worker?

As a Child and Youth Care worker, you will work directly with children and young people, supporting and assessing their individual needs and providing them with safety, stability and structure. Many of the children and young people at Kibble have experienced trauma and/or neglect, therefore, to work in this vital role, we ask that you are patient and caring, and able to support young people with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs. You can find full details of this role in our jobs section.

Am I Suitable for the Role?

We are recruiting for people from all walks of life, and across a range of ages. If you are successful, we will provide full training and support. In a recent recruitment drive we welcomed successful candidates from a wide range of industries and establishments including:

  • mechanics
  • construction
  • university and college graduates
  • catering and Hospitality
  • health and fitness

It is essential however that you can relate to young people and able to form positive, trusting relationships. This is not a one-size-fits all role – we welcome you to be your authentic, positive self and be an inspirational role model to the incredible children and young people we support.

Range of Job Opportunities Available

As Kibble provides a 24-hour, 7 day a week essential service, we have several full-time, part-time, nights, and annualised roles available. Depending on your circumstances, we have roles available for those who are currently out of employment and want to start a new career, or for those seeking a short-term placement in the coming weeks or months. You can view further detail on all available contract options on our jobs section.

Jim Gillespie, CEO of Kibble, said: “As people across the country are in lockdown, unfortunately people have found themselves out of work. However, what is clear is that many are looking to give back and help during this crucial time.

“Providing care and a safe home for young people who are vulnerable is more important than ever, and we’re calling for those who can help to get in touch and allow us to ensure we’re in the best possible position to provide that service.

“Across Kibble we have care staff who have come from a wide variety of sectors and we find that quite often people don’t realise they have the skills and the understanding that it takes to become a great carer for young people.

“The health and well-being of the children and young people in our care is our priority and our staff are critically important to us.”

For more information and to apply for a job at Kibble, please visit our jobs section.

Posted: March 4, 2020

At the recent Scotland Excel Awards on 20 February, Kibble scooped the top award in the Workforce Development category.

The Scotland Excel Supplier Excellence Awards celebrate the innovation and excellence demonstrated by suppliers supporting the delivery of public services across Scotland. Specifically, this award recognised our achievements in developing a successful Child and Youth Care Worker Development programme. This 12-month programme provided a mix of training, qualifications and experience to support trainees into becoming successful child and youth care workers. It was developed to encourage those with the right soft skills to carve out a rewarding career in care.

This vital programme has enabled Kibble to recruit successful, permanent employees that have greatly increased our charity’s talent pool. This has not only strengthened our workforce but has enabled us to provide an outstanding level of care and support to the young people at Kibble.

As many of the young people we support have experienced significant trauma, the programme ensured that trainees understand the nature of trauma and are able to practice in a way that is ‘trauma-informed’. Our training plan therefore ensured that all participants undertake the relevant therapeutic, trauma-informed training available to all Kibble employees.

The programme also creates employment opportunities within the community, attracting candidates looking for a change career path. This has seen us welcome employees from the building trade, taxi driving and those previously unemployed.

Marie Duncan, Learning and Development Manager at Kibble said:
“Winning the workforce development award is a wonderful achievement for the many people involved in our ‘staff in training’ programme. This truly has been a project that wouldn’t have been successful without the commitment, hard work and energy from Directors, the L&D team and the staff and mentors on the ground. The award recognises this work and is a proud moment for us all.

This programme has seen Kibble take an innovative approach towards recruitment which has attracted fresh talent into the organisation. The award will allow us to showcase this work and support the continued growth of the programme in the coming years.”

Posted: February 24, 2020

Child and Youth Care Worker Tash works at Kibble in the Safe Centre. Find out why she enjoys going to work in her interview.          

What did you do before Kibble?

Before joining Kibble, I was a manager at another similar charity. My daily tasks involved scheduling rotas and finalising pay slips. However, the managerial role reduced the time I spent with the young people. The experience helped me realise I prefer being with the young people and building strong relationships with them. I was keen to work at Kibble because of the pioneering services they offer.

How long have you worked at Kibble?

Almost two years.

What made you want to work for Kibble?

I knew of Kibble when it was only for young boys. Kibble had a great reputation in the sector, and I had always wanted to apply so when the right opportunity came up, I did!

As soon as I started at Kibble, I felt welcome. There was nothing I couldn’t ask. Everyone here was approachable, no matter what level they were at.

Can you give us an overview of your role at Kibble and what area you work in? Please explain about the service?

I am a Child and Youth Care Worker at Kibble and I work in the Safe Centre, which involves supervising young people 24/7. In the Safe Centre, we follow set daily routines to provide young people with a safe, secure environment and a reliable routine.

My role involves regular report writing and encouraging young people to attend meetings, making sure their voices are heard in discussions about their care. I keep up to date with training and provide daily support to the young people.

What is the best thing about working in Kibble? Tell us one thing you love about your job?

Teamwork is what makes Kibble a great place to work. There is a sense of camaraderie between the team here. We work together to be the best support system we can be for the young people.

I enjoy coming to work because of the personal relationships I have formed between my colleagues and the young people.

Can you share a defining moment or story about your time at Kibble?

I felt a sense of achievement being selected to work in one of the new care houses. It was important to have familiar, experienced staff in the new environment to help the young people settle in their new home.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Kibble?

Throw your hat into the mix and seize the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge. Absorb all the information the experience will bring and be open to new ways of learning.

Be yourself and you will make great friendships along the way.

Please complete the following statement using one word – “Kibble Inspires…”

#KibbleInspires you to be the best you can be, for your fellow colleagues and the young people.

Find out about our latest vacancies or volunteer opportunities now.

Posted: February 21, 2020

A momentous day in our charity’s history, St. Mirren Independent Supporters Association (SMISA) have voted in favour of the exciting new partnership between Kibble and St. Mirren.

By an overwhelming majority, members recognised the value in this partnership that will provide fan ownership by 2021, while strengthening employment and training opportunities for Kibble young people.

The plans will see Kibble own a 27.5% stake in the club, opening future job prospects and opportunities in employment, training and education, as well as widening access to sport, health and wellbeing. It will also address local deprivation and exclusion through youth employment, community engagement, initiatives and activities.

Today’s decision followed a public meeting earlier this month where over 100 SMISA members were given a platform to ask questions to a panel of St. Mirren and Kibble representatives. The response from fans was overwhelmingly positive, enabling them to meet their goal of fan-ownership five years earlier than planned. There was also significant appeal in a partnership that had children and young people at its heart, opening employability and training opportunities for vulnerable young people, and being a force for good in the community.

CEO Jim Gillespie commented “With Kibble’s roots in Paisley stretching back almost 200 years, this deal brings together two of Paisley’s oldest organisations.

“We are thrilled SMISA’s members have given us such a show of support and we plan to repay that by working together with SMISA, Gordon (Scott) and the rest of the St Mirren board and staff to see where our expertise can help the club move forward.

“Crucially, this partnership will help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in Scotland – by allowing us to step up our young workforce development programme to provide training and job opportunities based around the club’s facilities and operations.”

We’re delighted by the positive response from SMISA and look forward to working alongside St. Mirren to maximise opportunities for young people, the community and the club.

Posted: February 4, 2020

Steve shares the fact that young people are at the forefront of Kibble, even for staff in support services. Read why he wanted to join Kibble as the Quality Improvement Manager.

What did you do before Kibble?

Before joining Kibble as the quality improvement manager, I was a quality engineer and systems manager for EMA.

How long have you worked at Kibble?

I’ve been at Kibble for over a decade, almost 12 years.

What made you want to work for Kibble?

In my previous job, I was travelling for half the year. As I started to think about having a family my priorities changed, and I wanted a better work life balance. I decided my goal was to have a rewarding career. When the Kibble job vacancy came up, I was extremely interested as I knew of the organisation and the fact it had been operating for almost 150 years.

Can you give us an overview of your role at Kibble and what area you work in? Please explain about the service?

Within my role I am involved in every service at Kibble. Quality assurance covers all areas and all departments.  I manage compliance, external frameworks and regulations and I am responsible for liaising with the Education Scotland Care Inspectorate. I also co-ordinate with WhoCares?  Scotland.

What is the best thing about working in Kibble? Tell us one thing you love about your job?

The friendships I’ve built with colleagues. Also, the job variety – each day is different.

Can you share a defining moment or story about your time at Kibble?

Within the first week, I was working on a big project and declined an invite to the Kibble panto. The CEO entered the room and reminded me it was the Christmas panto and it was part of my role to attend. He stated that the young people come first. This gave me an insight into the culture and values of Kibble, that the kids are at the forefront of everything.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Kibble?

Go for it! There are so many positives to working at Kibble.

Please complete the following statement using one word – “Kibble Inspires…”

#KibbleInspires inclusivity.

Find out about our latest vacancies or volunteer opportunities now.

Posted: January 29, 2020

This week Kibble announced innovative new partnership plans with St. Mirren Football Club to grow opportunities for young people.

If plans go ahead, Kibble will own a 27.5% stake in the club, opening future job prospects and opportunities in employment, training and education, as well as widening access to sport, health and wellbeing. This exciting partnership will also address local deprivation and exclusion through youth employment, community engagement, initiatives and activities.

Believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, no league team is owned and run in partnership with a major charity in the way proposed here.

A decision will be made by members of the St. Mirren Independent Supporters Association (SMISA) in February, with a straight majority deciding the outcome. If agreed, the partnership will mean St. Mirren will become Scotland’s latest fan-owned football club from as soon as 2021 – five years earlier than planned. This will be an incredibly exciting time for our charity and St. Mirren as we combine the youth-centred, educational and commercial expertise of Kibble, with St. Mirren’s first-class sporting facilities and national profile to develop a dynamic partnership.

At the centre of this will be Kibble’s young workforce development model that will continue to thrive, with increased job prospects for our young people aligned with the current job market. This will complement existing provision offering skills and qualifications in areas such as: catering, hospitality and retail, along with apprenticeships in grounds keeping and maintenance.

Kibble young people will have access to the club’s professional sporting facilities, enhancing our school’s physical education provision and offering an inspiring backdrop for learning and skills development. The benefits of sport on mental health are well documented and partnering with St. Mirren will enable us to provide greater access to sport, nurture talent and support overall health and wellbeing.

Kibble chief executive Jim Gillespie said: “We are incredibly excited by this important plan for both organisations, both of which were founded in Paisley in Victorian times and are a part of the town’s history”.

“This is not about Kibble wanting to be involved in the day-to-day running of a football club, our offering will be to bring new resource and expertise to help St. Mirren grow as a business, while expanding opportunities in the community”.

Kibble’s partnership with St. Mirren Football Club will create an environment that can bring meaningful change to the lives of young people in care at Kibble, to St. Mirren Football Club, and to the wider Paisley community.

A final decision will be made by SMISA on 21 February.

Posted: January 20, 2020

SCM Manager Kirsti was previously a hospital nursing assistant in a psychiatry ward and changed her career path because she wanted to make a difference to young people before they required adult services.

What did you do before Kibble?

Previously I was a nursing assistant in the acute psychiatry ward within the Royal Alexandria Hospital. Part of my role was to attend to patients and involved personal care, providing emotional support and helping them return to their community. I worked at the hospital for 15 years.

My previous job as a nursing assistant crossed over with starting at Kibble as I did shifts for both that fitted around childcare for my 2 children. 

How long have you worked at Kibble?

I have worked at Kibble for 17 years. Initially I started as a sessional worker to see if I enjoyed it and if the organisation and I were a good fit.

I did not have huge amount of experience working with teenagers, but I quickly realised if I could connect with young people and build meaningful, trustworthy relationships everything else could work. It is possible to learn the correct processes and paperwork but the ability to develop strong bonds with the young people is vital.

I had no formal qualifications before coming to Kibble and now I am studying an MSC in Residential Childcare. I have progressed my career at Kibble from a Sessional Worker to Service Manager in a number of residential care houses, to a Duty Manager before becoming the SCM (Safe Crisis Management) Manager.

What made you want to work for Kibble?

I wanted a change and started looking out for a new job that still involved working with people every day. I was determined to make a difference to the lives of children and young people before they reached the stage of adult services. I believed that early intervention was critical.

I had heard about Kibble as I lived nearby the main campus and I was interested in starting a career with the organisation.

Can you give us an overview of your role at Kibble and what area you work in? Please explain about the service?

I manage a department that delivers initial training for new staff coming to Kibble. The training shows staff how to manage a crisis situation with a young person safely and how to avoid escalating the circumstance further.

The training focuses on working in the space of the young people and teaching staff that relationships are key. It is about influencing the working practice to help young people feel safe and supported. The course includes the following factors: safety, reality, professionalism, liability and creating a culture of care.

What is the best thing about working in Kibble/tell us one thing you love about your job?

I love my job because I enjoy spending time with the young people and sharing in their life experience. My role is invaluable as the training helps staff to cope safely with potentially challenging situations.

Can you share a defining moment or story about your time at Kibble?

I am lucky that I have several defining moments that are very special to me. I remember a young person who had a chaotic lifestyle and struggled with daily tasks. We went to Oban on a trip and took the children on a Sea-fari, and to our amazement we spotted a dolphin. The young person and I both turned and saw the dolphin at the same time, then locked eyes on one another in disbelief at the real-life beauty we had witnessed. We shared this lovely moment and there was a strong feeling of trust. We were both emotional, which perhaps showed the vulnerability in us both.

I have another special memory about a young boy who was extremely shy and had low self-esteem and self-worth. When he first came to Kibble, he was anxious about walking from his care house to school assembly and would refuse to go. We took small steps and got him outside the assembly hall, and then eventually we walked in.  He was a keen drummer and we managed to get him to join the Kibble band. One day at a school show he walked in as the others in the band were playing – the children stopped playing and gave him a hero entrance as he took to his seat to start playing. I was so proud and emotional at that moment about how much he had achieved.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Kibble?

Don’t forget that kids are kids. You have an opportunity to make a difference. Allow yourself to learn from them and be a part of their world – don’t make them come into yours. Every opportunity is a chance to learn.

Please complete the following statement using one word – “Kibble Inspires…”

#KibbleInspires… Hope, relationships and futures.

Do you want to change your career to care? Find out about our latest vacancies or volunteer opportunities now.

Posted: January 13, 2020

It’s been a busy year at Kibble and the last few weeks have certainly been no exception. Children, young people and staff have brought Christmas to life with their incredible performances, fayres, charity collections and overwhelming kindness.

Across our services, young people have gone the extra mile to make Christmas a little easier for those who need a helping hand. Over a thousand pounds has been raised for several worthwhile causes close to the children’s hearts. Both their generosity and incredible talents have made us so proud, given us lots of laughter, and have led to many special memories being made.

The festive season got into full swing with a cast of performers in search of the Emerald City as school pupils brought The Wizard of Oz to the stage. There were ruby slippers, a cowardly lion, tin man, a cackling witch, flying monkeys and beautiful rainbows as they embarked on their journey to Oz. The applause said it all and the talent and confidence shown was remarkable. This was supported and nurtured by education staff who went above and beyond to ensure the pupils had a great experience, not to mention audiences.

The performances didn’t stop there as pupils from Forest View, our therapeutic primary school performed their Christmas nativity, The Sleepy Shepherd. After weeks of rehearsals and learning of songs and lines, our little shepherds, narrators, kings, angels… and not forgetting Mary and Joseph, made us all proud. Even miniature pony Josephine made her stage debut as the donkey in the stable. After the bows, pupils invited the audience to a Christmas Fayre with beautiful handmade gifts and treats created as part of their social enterprise project. An incredible £136 was raised which will be divided between Guide Dogs for The Blind and the Renfrewshire Toy Bank.

Both the Safe Centre and residential care house Wallace were converted into Winter Wonderlands as they held their Christmas fayres. The Safe Centre fayre was a day of festive fun, laughter… and a few ‘ouch’ moments as some of the boys braved a charity leg wax! There were handmade gifts, tombola, an auction, nail painting and more. Money is still coming in; however, we’re expecting to raise over £800 which will be donated to Who Cares? Scotland.

Young people from Wallace got us all in the festive mood with handmade decorations, home baking and even treats for four legged friends. Their efforts raised £222 which was used to purchase gifts for children living in poverty. The gifts were donated to The Forge Shopping Centre’s ‘Giving Tree’ and the young people enjoyed purchasing the items that will bring a smile to children on Christmas Day.

In the true spirit of giving, young people have been avidly collecting donations for the local food bank, and Springburn baby bank from staff across our campus. There has been huge generosity and the items have now been delivered to each of the services with the hope of making Christmas a little bit easier for those that depend on these vital resources.

This is just the tip of the iceberg and there has been so much more great work across Kibble. At what can be a very difficult and emotional time for many of the children and young people, the special moments that have been captured in the days leading up to Christmas become even more poignant. The joy of giving to others has brought so much joy to each of them and this really is the true spirit of Christmas.

On behalf of myself and all of us at Kibble, I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2020.

Jim Gillespie, CEO

Posted: December 2, 2019

Senior Funding Development Officer, Angela is part of the team who sources funding to support the range of projects going on at Kibble. One week she will be working on an arts project for young people and the next, it will be therapeutic animal interaction.

What did you do before Kibble?

I have been lucky enough to have a varied career – I started off working in radio and television which was, at the time very exciting, but as I got older, I decided to look for something that would offer more stability.  I realised a lot of the skills I had learned in my time researching and producing were transferable to marketing roles and fate determined this would be the start of a different career path.  Prior to joining Kibble, I worked in different marketing roles in education.

How long have you worked at Kibble?

I’ll soon be at Kibble for five years and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoy working here – every day is different!

What made you want to work for Kibble?

I hadn’t really been looking for a new job, and if I’m being honest, at the time I didn’t know that much about Kibble.  When I saw the advert, it stuck in my mind. I remember thinking this is an organisation that really does a lot of good. I’ve been lucky enough to have an amazing family supporting me all my life and I know how important that support network is.  The more I started to read about Kibble and the work they do, the more I wanted the job.  I wanted to be part of an organisation that really makes a difference, even if I was playing a small role in that.

Can you give us an overview of your role at Kibble and what area you work in? Please explain about the service?

I’m a Senior Funding Development Officer in the Funding & Development team.  There’s lots of great work going on at Kibble, and I’m part of the team that sources funding to support these projects. It’s very varied, one week you could be working on an arts project for young people and the next it could be therapeutic animal interaction. 

As well as sourcing funding, I’m also responsible for monitoring the progress of projects and ensuring everything is going according to plan.  It’s a busy team and because you can be working on lots of different projects the days just fly in.

What is the best thing about working in Kibble? Tell us one thing you love about your job?

I love the variety of my job – no two days are the same.  I’m also privileged to work with so many lovely people who are here for one reason – our young people! 

Can you share a defining moment or story about your time at Kibble?

Personally, it has been about Kibble having the faith to let me develop and give me opportunities. I started off in the Communications Team and have since moved into funding. I had skills that were transferable to the job, but I’ve also been given the support I need for my new role.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Kibble?

Do it! You will never look back. Kibble is genuinely life-changing, it will totally change your outlook, especially if you’ve not worked in the child and youth care sector before. You’ll be working with a fantastic bunch of colleagues, meet some amazing young people and make friends for life.

Please complete the following statement using one word – “Kibble Inspires…”

#KibbleInspires hope.

Posted: November 29, 2019

Neil shares his Kibble career journey, from starting on student placement to becoming a Director within the Executive Team and Head of Community Services. He is proud to be part of an organisation that is at the forefront of developments in supporting children at risk in Scotland.

What did you do before Kibble?

I worked in the service industry since leaving school but decided to go to college and study social care shortly before joining Kibble.

How long have you worked at Kibble?

I’ve worked at Kibble for around 21 years. I started in 1993 and left for 4 years in 2014 before returning in 2018.

What made you want to work for Kibble?

Originally, I started at Kibble as a student on placement while studying at college. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the young people and I believed strongly in Kibble’s mission to improve their lives. I instantly knew this was the career for me, and at the end of my placement I pursued full-time employment as a residential child care worker.

Can you give us an overview of your role at Kibble and what area you work in? Please explain about the service?

I am a Director within the Executive Team and Head of Community Services. In my role as a director, I have strategic management responsibilities which affect the whole organisation. Within my remit as Head of Community Services, I am responsible for the leadership and strategic management for most of the services based out with our main campus including the houses based in the community, our intensive foster care service and early years residential services. The services are diverse and care for children and young people across a wide range of ages in a variety of different settings.

What is the best thing about working in Kibble/tell us one thing you love about your job?

One of the best things about working in Kibble is being part of an organisation that is at the forefront of developments in supporting children at risk in Scotland. Our range of services are dynamic and always growing and evolving, which means there is so much diversity in the tasks, which I am involved in. Put simply, I could never get bored at Kibble.

Can you share a defining moment or story about your time at Kibble?

There have been so many defining moments. In my formative years, many of these involved knowing that I had made the difference in the lives of children based on the feedback they provided to me. Later in my career as a manager and mentor to many staff over the years, it has been knowing that I have changed the lives of these adults and set them on a path of commitment to improving the lives of children and young people.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Kibble?

Be prepared to be challenged in ways that will put you way outside your comfort zone, to grow in ways you never imagined, and to learn more things from children than you ever thought possible.

Please complete the following statement using one word – “Kibble Inspires…”

Kibble inspires people to change lives.

Start your Kibble career journey by checking our latest vacancies. Or learn more about volunteering.