Career profiles

16 October 2008

How a selection of people with successful careers working with children and young people got where they are today.

Rob Watkins, specialist reintegration youth worker, Buckinghamshire County Council/Connexions

Some young people don't just drop out of school, they drop out of life. With no self-esteem or confidence, some simply struggle to get up...

Rhonda Douglas, head of centre, Rusholme Sure Start Centre, Manchester City Council

Despite displaying a keen interest in woodwork and metalwork at school, Rhonda Douglas has always known that she wanted to work with children.

Ranjit Mann, family court adviser, Leicester, Cafcass

Ranjit Mann describes his job as "one of the best jobs in the social care field".

Paul Heaton, casework assistant, Rainer

One of the 15 looked-after and former looked-after young people Paul Heaton works with is at university in Birmingham.

Pat Jennings, head of youth offending service, Walsall Council

Pat Jenning's job is all about the strategic management of the youth offending service, which means dealing with young people that have offended as well...

Olushola Babatunde, health visitor, Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust

Olushola Babatunde loves her job most when the advice she gives to parents pays off and a happy, healthy baby bounces into one of her...

Michelle Gibson, substance misuse worker, the Freagarrach Project, Stirling, Barnardo's

“I love this job,” says Gibson. “Every day is different and you’re never faced with the same two situations. It keeps me motivated.” It’s this...

Keith Morrison, senior adviser and virtual head teacher, Medway Council

The virtual head teacher role is one that was introduced in the Care Matters green paper and involves assigning an individual with the responsibility for...

Jo Hinchliffe, acting project coordinator of Jiwsi, fpa

Deny young people with learning disabilities a proper sex education and it can lead to all sorts of problems, including being taken advantage of all...

Debbie Rainey, full-time youth worker, Staple Hill Methodist Youth Project

Debbie Rainey's job recently took her to China, escorting a 17-year-old young woman from her youth group as part of a countywide youth opportunity fund...