Caoimhe graduated with a Masters degree in Social Work and pursued a career with Kibble. She realised she wanted to spend quality time supporting young people, rather than making decisions for young people that she wouldn’t get the chance to know properly.
What did you do before Kibble?
I was a student in Dublin and achieved my undergraduate degree in social sciences. I applied to do my master’s in social work and moved to Scotland to undertake this.
How long have you worked at Kibble?
I have worked at Kibble for 5 years. I started while studying for my masters at university then applied for an annualised contract, before becoming a full-time member of staff.
What made you want to work for Kibble?
While studying for my social work qualification I realised I wanted to work directly with young people on a daily basis and Kibble provided me with the opportunity to do this.
Before moving to Scotland, I hadn’t heard of Kibble and I wasn’t sure what working for them would entail. However, once I started, I knew it was what I wanted to do with my life.
Can you give us an overview of your role at Kibble and what area you work in? Please explain about the service?
I work full time in one of the care houses with 8 girls. I give them my time and attention and develop meaningful relationships with each young girl. Throughout my time at Kibble I have worked in care houses with boys as well as care houses with girls. I’ve been grateful to have such a varied experience.
What is the best thing about working in Kibble/tell us one thing you love about your job?
I felt if I was to pursue a career in social work I would be making decisions for young people that I didn’t get the chance to know properly. Working at Kibble in a care house means I spend quality time with the young people daily and really get to know them. All the little changes I see in their lives make such a difference and to be part of that is special.
The training Kibble provide is excellent, they fully support further learning opportunities. Kibble is an integrated organisation with an array of important services. This is a huge positive as you get the chance to move into different areas of care and support young people at different stages.
Can you share a defining moment or story about your time at Kibble?
I worked closely with a girl who had come to care on a voluntary order. Positively, she felt ready to move on from living at Kibble after a short stay. We heard from her 18 months later as she called from the hospital to tell us she was pregnant but had lost the baby. It was us who she called for support and asked to visit her during the heartbreaking time. This is a sad story but shows the difference that we make to young people’s lives and the impact we have on them. It is a testament to the work we do here at Kibble.
I also worked with a girl who had been in Kibble for 3 years. Since leaving us she keeps in touch weekly. It is inspirational to know how much you make a difference to them and makes the job worthwhile.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Kibble?
Have an open mind, no matter what you think it will be like, it will be different. You must want to work at Kibble for the right reasons. At Kibble you are surrounded by experienced people, which is hugely beneficial, mentoring is a great thing, make sure you ask lots of questions.
Please complete the following statement using one word – “Kibble Inspires…”
#KibbleInspires me to be better.