Career Start welcomes applications from anyone who wants to help others. It’s a chance for people with life experience to change careers or for graduates and young adults to create a fulfilling livelihood for themselves.

Those who apply can expect to earn a living wage, gain invaluable work experience and study towards a HNC in Social Services. Upon completion, an interview to become a Child and Youth Care Worker at 91���� is guaranteed. It’s a rewarding role that brings a strong sense of purpose, alongside exceptional staff benefits and career progression opportunities.

As a Child and Youth Care Worker, you’ll make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young adults by becoming a trusted, familiar presence. Day to day, you’ll support them with routines and activities such as attending school, enjoying hobbies and making the most of their leisure time.

91���� supports individuals up to the age of 26 meaning your new job will offer plenty of variety. It suits people who can show commitment, flexibility and resilience.

Report writing and monitoring are also an important part of the job, helping to keep care plans up to date and ensure each person receives the best possible support.

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Highly recommended by those who have completed the course. We’ve welcomed people from a wide range of backgrounds including graduates, career changers, tradespeople and parents. Many initially didn’t realise how valuable their existing skills and life experience would be in this new career.

Allanah is a university graduate. She was considering a teaching job before deciding on our traineeship.

Ruby brought life experience from working across hospitality, pharmacy and sales.

Ryan wanted to change careers after working as a landscaper.

Kate’s background was in dental nursing.

Julie Ann chose our traineeship to return to work after raising her own kids.

Ready for a Career That Matters?

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Ready for a career that matters? Now is the time to hear about our job opportunities and meet our friendly staff team.

At our careers fair, you can find a new job to suit you while also learning more about us. We’ll share information about our training programmes, staff wellbeing and benefits and give you the opportunity to gain insight into who we support, and the difference you could make in the lives of children and young people.

This event is open to experienced practitioners, care professionals and anyone interested in taking the next step into a meaningful career at 91����. Whether you are ready to apply or simply want to ask questions, our teams will be there to talk through current opportunities and what it is like to be part of 91����.

Jobs Available at the Careers Fair

91���� offers job variety! Our current job vacancies include many of our different departments.

• Recruiting a Night Service Child and Youth Care Worker to become part of the dedicated nightshift team who support young people through the evening, when it matters most, with the autonomy to make a real difference.
  
• Child and Youth Care Worker Early Years (Part-Time) Job Share is an opportunity to be a positive role model to our children aged 5-12 in Lochwinnoch.
  
• Staff Nurse is an opportunity to support young people’s physical and emotional wellbeing through health assessments, medication management and responsive nursing care within 91����’s residential services.
  
• Child and Youth Care Worker is an opportunity to build trusted relationships with young people, supporting them day to day as they feel safe, valued and ready to thrive.
  
• Child and Youth Care Worker, Peripatetic – Early Years offers a helping hand across our children’s residential houses, supporting children aged 5–12 wherever care is needed most.
  
• Child and Youth Care Worker (Part Time) (Job Share) is a flexible role to be a positive influence to children and young people, working alongside a close-knit team of colleagues.

There are several Child and Youth Care Worker job opportunities available, each offering its own working pattern. Work daytime into evening, go for part-time job share or join the dedicated nightshift team.

Explore Child and Youth Care Jobs at 91����

Our Child and Youth Care Workers support children and young people in safe, nurturing homes, helping them build confidence, relationships and everyday skills. You can also ask us about routes into care, training and development, and how people grow their careers at 91���� through roles such as Senior Practitioner, Service Manager and Operations Manager.

Begin Your Career at 91���� Through Out Career Start Training Programme

If you are new to care or thinking about a complete career change, ask us about Career Start in Child and Youth Care. This 12-month programme gives you the chance to earn while you learn, gain practical experience in a residential care setting and study towards a HNC in Social Services, with full training, mentoring and support throughout.

No previous experience or qualifications are needed. We are looking for compassionate, reliable people with life experience and the motivation to make a positive difference for children and young people. Upon successful completion of the programme and required qualification, an interview for a Child and Youth Care Worker role at 91���� is guaranteed.

Ready for a career that matters? Find out what it’s like to work with young people at 91���� and discover rewarding careers in care where you can make a real difference every day.

Whether you’re an experienced residential worker or looking for a new job with purpose, our friendly teams will be on hand to answer your questions, talk through the roles available and share what it is like to support children and young people at 91����.

You’ll hear about our values and mission, the training and development available, career progression opportunities and the generous staff benefits that help make 91���� a top employer and supportive place to work.

Drop in throughout the day to meet us, ask questions and find out why a career in care at 91���� could be the right next step for you. It is a careers event you’ll be glad you attended.

Explore Careers in Residential Care

Care roles at 91���� involve supporting children and young people in safe, nurturing residential houses. You could join as a Child and Youth Care Worker and build your career through learning, development and progression opportunities, with roles such as Senior Practitioner, Service Manager and Operations Manager among the pathways available.

Start Your Career in Child and Youth Care

As well as recruiting experienced care staff, we welcome people who want to start a rewarding career in Child and Youth Care, even if they have no previous experience or qualifications. Through our Career Start programme, people with the drive to make a difference can earn while training to qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker. Upon completion of the 12-month course, an interview for 91���� is guaranteed. Our careers event will have further details on Career Start.

Through Career Start, job seekers who want to make a positive difference to young people can qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker. Ruby jumped at the chance for the practical learning experience while earning a wage.

Ruby now works in one of our therapeutic residential houses, creating safe and nurturing routines for care-experienced young children while supporting their emotional development.

Ruby reflects on her life before Career Start: “I’m from the Inverclyde area and always knew I wanted to work with young people. Before becoming a trainee, I worked in hospitality, pharmacy and sales – but supporting children who’ve experienced trauma was always my end goal.”

The training has been life-changing for Ruby too: “It’s so important for every young person to have an adult they feel safe with and Career Start gave me the opportunity to be that grown-up for someone.”

Playing an important role in the lives of young people is something Ruby finds truly fulfilling: “There’s no fixed routine in this job – every day is different, and I love that. The relationships you build with the young people are amazing. Communication, critical thinking and problem-solving are all key skills I’ve developed and continue to grow in this role.”

Ruby is now encouraging others to take the leap and apply: “If you’re even thinking about applying – do it. It’s an incredible opportunity. You learn so much in just one year, and it’s one of the most rewarding jobs you can have.”

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.

Career Start gives young people an opportunity to earn while training as a Child and Youth Care Worker. This caught the attention of university graduate Allanah.

After graduating from university with a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies, Allanah initially considered a career in teaching – but a friend’s recommendation led her to apply for the 12-month, paid traineeship at 91���� instead.

Allanah explains why she decided to apply to Career Start: “I’m from the Renfrewshire area and have always wanted a job that felt meaningful and rewarding. Having worked in retail since I was 16 and spending time teaching English abroad, I knew I wanted to support young people in a more hands-on way.”

Every day is different, which Allanah enjoys: “Working at 91���� has been an incredibly enriching experience. No two days are the same. From helping with homework to planning fun activities and days out – like a recent trip to Braehead with one of the young people – it’s these everyday moments that help build trust and strong relationships.”

Photo of Allanah taken by a young person on a shopping trip.

Although Allanah acknowledges there can be challenges, she says the rewards far outweigh the difficulties: “Learning about the trauma that some young people have faced, and how that can affect their behaviour, isn’t easy. But the level of training and support we receive – as well as the sense of purpose – makes it all worthwhile. I’d encourage anyone considering a career in childcare to apply.”

Career Start is open to all and welcomes applications from those who want to make a difference to the lives of young people. No prior experience or formal qualifications are required. Trainees are supported to gain an HNC in Social Services while receiving a full-time wage based on the Scottish Living Wage, with a guaranteed interview for a permanent role on successful completion of the course.

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.

Niamh’s dream since being a little girl was to help people. Through 91����’s Career Start training programme her wish has come true! Niamh is now a qualified Child and Youth Worker who is highly dedicated to supporting care-experienced children and young people to thrive.

Hear from Niamh About Her Career In Care

In Niamh’s eyes, her responsibility is to create happy childhoods for the youngsters in her care: “Growing up in care can be life changing, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. If young people have caring adults around them, young people can realise their full potential and achieve amazing things with their lives.”

“The aim is to give them a childhood full of love. I want young people to look back on their time here and think “they really believed in me”.”

Compassion guides Niamh as she tries to champion young people to be the best version of themselves.

Niamh fully understands the impact she has in shaping young lives in the work she does each day within one of our children’s residential houses: “In my role, I offer constant support to young people. I listen to them and give advice when needed. We go outside and play and I go in goals when playing football. We often end the day watching a good movie too.

“I would describe our house as somewhere you walk into and immediately feel the warmth of a happy home.”

“Ideally, I want young people to feel lighter after spending time with us and start to feel empowered to make healthy choices and good decisions in their own lives.”

Niamh is truly motivated to making those around her feel settled and comfortable.

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Niamh Share What Her Responsibilities Include

Teamwork is one of the main things Niamh enjoys most about the Child and Youth Care Worker job role. Her upbeat and friendly personality makes her a joy to be around and she works well alongside everyone involved in the children’s lives.

Niamh is entrusted with promoting the Promise amongst the team. Her enthusiasm boosts overall morale as she helps her fellow youth workers realise how much the values of the Promise are embedded in the daily routine.

It’s important to reflect on how we support care-experienced young people to feel loved, respected and safe and Niamh actively starts relevant group discussions: “I have found ways to show the house how the Promise is linked into everything that we naturally do. I have evidenced all our memories in our ‘Promise folder’ with plenty of photos. There is also family feedback as we encourage positive family relationships and are in frequent contact, sharing good news.”

Niamh uses props to pose questions to staff members, prompting them to think about their actions: “I use cards – an example of the card and what it’d say would be – “my family are involved in all decisions of my life”. I would hand out different cards to the staff team and ask how we achieve this for our young people. The answers come straightaway, as I say the team do this every day.”

Questions are also put to young people: “I catch-up with young people with specific questions and I take their answers to the team meetings, and we, as a team, learn from the responses.

Young people are the priority and their wellbeing and needs are central to all decisions from the moment they arrive: “I maintain the ‘welcome pack’ which can be given to a new young person before they arrive, this has pictures of the house and the staff. It gives them an insight into what to expect and what it’s like here.”

“I showcase all of our young people’s achievements and keep a note of what goals have been fulfilled successfully. We want young people to see what they can accomplish, realise their own potential and build confidence in themselves.”

When we take time to get together and think things through, it reminds us that even small efforts can have a significant impact.

A great addition to the children’s residential house is a Houseparent. This is a new job role focused on making the space feel welcoming while providing healthy home-cooked meals and snacks.

Niamh is grateful to have Houseparent Paulina as part of the team: “We have a Houseparent called Paulina. She cooks our lunch and dinner and is part of what really makes our house a home.”

“Paulina has a wonderful relationship with the young people and we all adore her.”

91���� exists to give young people a chance at life, which can only happen if everyone brings the energy, dedication and understanding required to work toward the shared aim.

Niamh is a shining example of how one person’s actions can inspire hope in others. She is exactly the kind of Child and Youth Care Worker our young people and fellow colleagues deserve to be around. The determination to make a positive difference is exactly what we look for to be part of 91����.

Join Niamh

Find out how you can start a new job and achieve meaningful change for children and families alongside Niamh.

Kyle is gaining the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to become a Child and Youth Care Worker through 91����’s Career Start Training Programme. Over 12-months, Kyle earns while spending time in one of our residential children’s houses alongside a mentor and working towards an HNC in Social Services. Upon completion, he is guaranteed an interview to continue his career at 91����.

An essential element of the apprenticeship-inspired programme involves being based inside one of our houses, acting as a helping hand to the permanent staff team who support care-experienced young people.

Kyle got involved in youth care as he wanted to pursue a career that gave him purpose. He was drawn to the idea of helping young people lead positive and healthy lifestyles.

The genuine motivation to do work that mattered has strengthened Kyle’s commitment to learning new skills and thrive in the Career Start apprenticeship-inspired programme. He immediately slotted in to the house and got involved in the day-to-day routines of the house, quickly building warm positive relationships with young people and the adults he worked alongside.

Kyle was determined to bring happy childhood memories to youngsters and already as a Trainee he has created a Hogmanay those around him will always remember. The sound carried through the campus and included: Flower of Scotland, Scotland the Brave, The Rowan Tree, Green Hills of Tyrol, Lochanside, and The Battles O’er.

Every shift of Kyle’s is different, often with time spent in the house with young people and adults or taking youngsters out. Also, paperwork is essential. For New Year’s Eve, the team wanted the evening to feel calm, prioritising time together over big celebrations. The plan was to relax, be together and make wholesome memories. Kyle’s personal hobby of bagpiping added fun, energy and liveliness!

Young people were curious to hear Kyle play with one saying: “I was looking forward to hearing Kyle play and what the bagpipes would sound like. At first they seemed a bit loud but they actually made me feel happy and I couldn’t help smiling.”

Kyle had a natural talent for music and the experience has led him to encourage youngsters to pursue activities they enjoy: “Hobbies are such an important thing and essential to building self-esteem. It shows young people that although challenging moments arise when learning something new, it’s worth it when you can get past that period.”

Kyle has been playing the bagpipes for 12 years and understands first-hand how learning about something you have a genuine interest in can build self-confidence and enjoyment. Kyle’s belief of encouraging young people to reach their full potential makes him exceptionally well-suited for a career as a Child and Youth Care Worker.

Kyle is on-track to qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker in the summer and intends to interview for us. If successful, there’s potential for Kyle’s bagpiping to be a 91���� Hogmanay tradition.

Kyle is up for his bagpiping becoming an annual event in the calendar: “I always enjoy these types of things and knowing it can bring so much joy makes it even more worth it, so here’s hoping I’ll get the chance to do it again!”.

Join Kyle

We’re in-search of people like Kyle who would like to change careers and bring their own life experience, hobbies and talents to mentor care-experienced young people as a Child and Youth Care Worker.

Find out more about our Career Start Training Programme and follow a similar path to Kyle.

Alistair is surrounded by caring people in his personal life as well as being kind-hearted himself. He and his partner share a strong belief in the importance of helping others, with jobs in the NHS and 91���� the pair often work Christmas Day. They both understand essential work is even more crucial during this time of year and Alistair considers it a privilege to play a role in the young lives around him.

Throughout the year Alistair makes sure the young kids he supports feel loved, listened to and safe in the knowledge that he is always there for them. Christmas is no different. Wonderful moments are shared and memories are made but really, it’s just another special time when the children feel happy, cared for and full of joy.

Alistair describes how the children’s eyes light up with wonder and delight at everything Christmassy. The red and green decorations, sparkly and twinkling lights and festive characters all have them in awe: “Seeing how excited the kids are in the lead up is always something that sticks with me.”

“Everyone gets involved in the festivities! Some dress up as Santa, his reindeers and the Grinch to surprise the children!”

Early December is when the fun activities start: “The magic begins with decorating our house, baking cakes, crafting, choosing gifts, and planning Christmas-themed days out together. We’ve been to the pantomime and visited Santa.”

There are certain traditions that are precious and turn little moments into big memories: “Christmas Eve is spent putting out reindeer dust, putting on Christmas pyjamas and watching a movie.”

Christmas Morning is extraordinary and full of joy: “I can’t wait to see the kids open their presents. We’ll play Christmas music and sit down together for dinner. Some of the children will see their families too.”

“The most important thing is making the day feel as relaxed and enjoyable as possible for the kids.”

Alistair never falters in remembering the kids come first always: “We recognise Christmas can be exciting but also overwhelming. We focus on reassurance, routines, listening, and giving young people choice so they can have a Christmas that suits them.”

“We keep things calm, pressure free, and going with the pace of what each young person can cope with.”

Alistair wouldn’t change his job at 91����: “It really is a privilege to be part of making Christmas a positive experience for the young people and get to be involved in making amazing memories with the kids, especially at this time of year.”

Alistair’s example of bringing joy to every day special for the children is inspiring. We look to recruit similar people who share his kindness, commitment and love for supporting young people.

Join Alistair

Find purpose in helping young people thrive, whether you work with kids directly or in another essential role.

Ruby works alongside a Cook and a Catering Trainer in one of 91����’s professional kitchens. She assists with recipes and meal preparation, keeps supplies well-stocked and preps ingredients. In amongst chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, mixing, seasoning and garnishing, the crew have created a close-knit team dedicated to feeding their colleagues and young people.

The busy working kitchen is also the base for where some young people gain their catering qualifications. They gain hands-on experience, enjoying the fast pace and teamwork. Many youngsters show an interest in food and nutrition and are motivated to make personal healthy choices that can keep them active and fit. With everyone willing to help, the atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making each day seem to fly by.

When picturing Christmas Day at 91����, Ruby can’t wait: “Christmas Day at 91���� is a wonderful atmosphere. Everybody is in high spirits and chatting away. Of course, food has a massive part to play.”

“The morning will start with rolls filled with sausages and potato scones. Followed by a traditional Christmas dinner. For dessert, it’s Black Forest Gateau. A fan favourite dinner with the kids is usually Steak Pie but for the 25^th they’ve requested a turkey dinner.”

“In the kitchen, we’ve insisted on homemade stuffing, refusing anything shop-bought as we want it to be filling and full of flavour.”

“There will be buffet food too with crisps, crackers and cheese and bits and bobs that can be snacked on.”

The build-up is fun too: “Early December is when we get the Christmas tunes on and have sing-a-long while we work.”

“Myself and young people who are here studying professional cookery have been busy making Christmas lunch for some of the corporate staff teams including the maintenance team. It feels great to have a purpose and make everyone feel festive.”

“We try to teach young people as much as possible. Cooking good, nutritious food for yourself is such an important life skill that is so valuable.”

Reflecting on her time at 91����, Ruby remembers her best Christmas Day yet: “One of the staff teams who look after young people decided to decorate a room into fancy restaurant for Christmas Day. They wanted the kids to feel as if they were going out somewhere truly special for dinner.”

“Tablecloths, props and artwork transformed the space into a top-notch venue. The kids got dressed up in heels and their best dresses.”

“It was amazing to see the kids so happy at what can sometimes be a challenging time. No matter what job you do at 91����, we all must remember we’re on the same team and here for the kids.”

The idea of working towards the bigger picture of making care-experienced young people’s lives brighter is something Ruby lives by. Her outgoing and caring personality gives Ruby the ability to uplift anyone she meets. Full of confidence, she looks out for everyone around her and brings positivity and cheer.

As soon as you step into the kitchen, Ruby, Carol and Laura will immediately offer you a sandwich, biscuit or tea. It’s clear to see how well they all work together as a team.

Ruby’s teammates feel lucky to be around someone like her: “Ruby goes over and above and lifts everyone’s spirits”

In return, Ruby is grateful to spend day after day with her colleagues: “I love working with such talented colleagues. We make a great team. We bake fantastic sticky toffee puddings, support young students and make sure every day is a positive experience.”

As 91���� opens new services and aims to help even more young people, it is essential that any new recruits share and uphold Ruby’s commitment and mindset to always put the kids first.

Join Ruby

Find a new job to suit you! You can have a rewarding career at 91���� just like Ruby.

With a career in care spanning almost a decade and a birthday that falls on New Year’s Day, Jonathan’s preferred festive tradition is to be with the kids he supports on the 25^th December and be with his own family and friends the following week.

Jonathan believes this time of year is to be around people who make you happy and to feel cosy and relaxed. Proudly taking on the persona of a Christmas elf from Santa’s toy workshop, Jonathan’s favourite thing to do is choose surprise gifts for under the tree. He makes sure the Christmas tunes are playing, helps young people decorate the house and puts a Christmas-themed fireplace video on the TV. Jonathan makes sure the two young people who live in the house get a warm welcome home when returning from college, work or being out with friends especially as the temperature outside gets frostier.

Within the house, the close-knit staff team have built genuine relationships with young people and Jonathan explains that the real magic is creating new memories together: “We have made our own traditions and routines here.”

Young people come first in any plans: “Christmas hasn’t always been a positive experience for the young people I support. I can try to introduce some music and movie highlights but I very much follow their lead to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. No expectations are set. Young people want a chilled and relaxed day.”

Jonathan describes the youngster’s ideal Christmas Day: “Young people want to be in their jammies and super-soft oodies. They’ve challenged me to a game of Mario Kart too. One young person has plans to go out in the afternoon but wants to return for a Chinese and Christmas movie with us. We had great fun doing this last year and young people want to repeat and make our chill day an annual celebration.”

Jonathan wouldn’t change his plans: “I love working Christmas! It’s a time for having fun together and I thoroughly enjoy the team I work with and the young people I support.”

“I make fun arrangements with my mum around my shifts. We normally swap presents and have a meal together on Christmas Eve then go for dinner again on Boxing Day to properly catch-up. I think my mum is secretly happy she doesn’t have to share her Chocolate with me on the big day.”

Jonathan sets an example of the type of person suited to a career at 91����. He wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of care-experienced young people, seeing his role as more than a job. He fully understands the positive, long-lasting impact his time, effort and energy can have.

Join Jonathan

Discover how you can have a meaningful career at 91���� too.