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 91ÆÞÓÑ 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.

91ÆÞÓÑ 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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A teacher’s belief can transform how a young person sees themselves and what they feel able to achieve.

To all our teachers, thank you for your commitment, creativity and care. The difference you make is reflected in every new skill, proud smile and moment a young person begins to believe in themselves.

Watch our World Teachers’ Day Video

We caught up with some of the 91ÆÞÓÑ team to hear about the teachers they admire and respect.

Ready for a Career That Matters?

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Working across 91ÆÞÓÑ’s residential children’s houses, Night Service Child and Youth Care Workers play an important role in providing reassurance while young people sleep, settle into their evening routine or need extra support throughout the night.

Your job is about much more than being there overnight, it is about helping young people feel safe enough to rest. Some young people may struggle to sleep, feel anxious when the house becomes quiet, need emotional reassurance or require support during a difficult moment. Some nights may follow a steady routine, while others can change quickly. Whatever happens, your presence matters.

Visit our current vacancies to check when we’re recruiting for a Night Service Child and Youth Care Worker. Before applying read our helpful FAQs to understand more about the role.

FAQs about Becoming a Night Service Child and Youth Care Worker

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 91ÆÞÓÑ. 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 91ÆÞÓÑ.

Jobs Available at the Careers Fair

91ÆÞÓÑ 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 91ÆÞÓÑ’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 91ÆÞÓÑ

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 91ÆÞÓÑ through roles such as Senior Practitioner, Service Manager and Operations Manager.

Begin Your Career at 91ÆÞÓÑ 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 91ÆÞÓÑ is guaranteed.

Ready for a career that matters? Find out what it’s like to work with young people at 91ÆÞÓÑ 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 91ÆÞÓÑ.

You’ll hear about our values and mission, the training and development available, career progression opportunities and the generous staff benefits that help make 91ÆÞÓÑ 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 91ÆÞÓÑ 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 91ÆÞÓÑ 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 91ÆÞÓÑ 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 91ÆÞÓÑ 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 91ÆÞÓÑ 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.â€�

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.

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 91ÆÞÓÑ 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.

91ÆÞÓÑ 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.

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 graduated with a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies and spent time teaching English abroad. 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.

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

Be Part of Our Team

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

For over 170 years, 91ÆÞÓÑ has existed to give young people a chance at life, withstanding the test of time by placing young people at the centre of all business decisions. Achievement of delivering the right support, at the right time to as many young people as possible has required a dedicated staff team, a fact that 91ÆÞÓÑ is very much aware of.

91ÆÞÓÑ understands the workforce is the most valuable resource and strives to support each employee professionally and personally. The actions we take to empower the large staff team are recognised by Investors in People (IIP), a renowned accreditation and global benchmark awarded to organisations for demonstrating strong strategic leadership and a commitment to development their people. The IIP status reflects our focus on creating a workplace culture where people want to be, building talent pipelines and nurturing expertise, ensuring 91ÆÞÓÑ continues to evolve.

The long-standing relationship between 91ÆÞÓÑ and IIP marks an ongoing effort to invest in the workforce. The tangible ways we uphold our values of Ambition, Respect and Belonging have involved: increased recruitment, a rewarding staff benefits package, research opportunities and new partnerships. Our own model of trauma-informed care includes the component ‘Skilled and Supported Workforce’, which equips us to launch essential services and receive sector-leading results from regulatory bodies including Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland.

The framework of IIP evaluates the three key areas of: leading, supporting and improving. 91ÆÞÓÑ proudly holds Gold status while operating at the higher Platinum Level for several categories, a standard met by only 2% of the companies assessed. 91ÆÞÓÑ is leading by example in delivering continuous improvement, creating sustainable success, structuring work and living the organisation’s values and behaviours.

91ÆÞÓÑ’s results outlined in the IIP Framework

Our mission at 91ÆÞÓÑ is to transform lives, families and communities and a greater impact is had when it’s collective effort. We’re determined to recruit and retain like-minded and ambitious individuals. We want to be known as an employer who invests in people and plan to continue strengthening our relationship with IIP.

Join us

Find a career to suit you and work with an employer who invests in the workforce.

The first in her family to go to university, Sue studied psychology before beginning a postgraduate degree in Social Work. During her social work student placement, Sue spent time within 91ÆÞÓÑ’s residential children’s houses. The experience changed the trajectory of her career as originally Sue had planned to pursue field social work but found being with children in the houses gave her the opportunity to develop genuine relationships. Sue decided she could make the biggest difference to young people by working within residential childcare at 91ÆÞÓÑ.

As one of the UK’s oldest children’s charities, for almost 200 years, 91ÆÞÓÑ has existed to give young people a chance at life. Sue has seen first hand the charity evolve to deliver essential support to those who need it the most. Since the mid-80s when Sue started at 91ÆÞÓÑ, the organisation has expanded significantly from 5 services to 30. A greater understanding of trauma-informed care influenced 91ÆÞÓÑ to lead research projects, improve operations and open new services with Sue being proud to have been part of the journey. Sue reflects on the progress and is in awe at the increased access to support not only for young people but families and the wider community too.

Sue joined 91ÆÞÓÑ at a time when the organisation was recruiting more and more qualified social workers to join education professionals. Sue remembers care and education would always work closely together. The camaraderie was a highlight of working at 91ÆÞÓÑ. Staff planned fun group trips for young people and some of Sue’s favourite memories involved camping across the West Coast, telling ghost stories. The social work perspective brought positive changes, mainly incorporating trauma-informed practice and forming Specialist Intervention Services (SIS), which was 91ÆÞÓÑ’s own team of psychologists and therapists. Sue describes the progression of 91ÆÞÓÑ as natural as everyone who works here shares the ambition to help as many young people as possible and the organisation has always adapted to offer what young people need to look optimistically towards the future.

A new job at 91ÆÞÓÑ promises career development, and Sue is a shining example of the job variety you can have when you’re steadfast in making a positive change to young people. Beginning her career working directly with the kids, Sue eventually progressed into a Senior Learning and Development Officer, a role which saw her help train 91ÆÞÓÑ’s frontline care workers. As well as being there for young people of 91ÆÞÓÑ, Sue has empowered the next generation of Child and Youth Care Workers. She stepped into a role that would ensure young people benefit from a highly qualified and competent workforce by sharing her own expertise and experience.

As soon as she showed up to 91ÆÞÓÑ as an ambitious student, Sue had a willingness to be a positive force for change and advocate for young people. Her uplifting personality has had a profound impact on young people who, with Sue’s support, began to believe in themselves. Sue still keeps in contact with many she once cared for, which is a testament to the bonds she formed throughout her career.

Sue’s enthusiasm to brighten the world around her made colleagues enjoy spending time with her and she became a mentor and friend to those who worked with her too. She has felt great pride in seeing the progress of the colleagues who she remembers first starting at 91ÆÞÓÑ. In Sue’s opinion, the compassionate and upbeat personalities are what makes 91ÆÞÓÑ outstanding and have helped create the safe, welcoming place where she happily spent 40 years of her life.

Sue with her colleague, Mel.

Follow in Sue’s Footsteps