A conversation in a hair salon might seem an unlikely starting point for a career in Children’s Services. For Candice, a simple conversation with a client in her hairdressing chair sparked a curiosity that became a new direction.
Candice took the leap and began studying a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention online before successfully applying for a role at Aruma.
From that initial spark, Candice is now two and a half years into her new career as a Support Worker in Toowoomba, where she also holds a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) role for her region.
Aruma’s Children’s Services provides child-safe, trauma-informed support through out-of-home care in Queensland and Targeted Care Packages in Victoria. Working alongside families, caregivers and specialist services, teams support children and young people to feel safe, have a voice and work towards their goals.
The work brings variety, responsibility and moments worth celebrating. It also calls for patience and consistency when a young person is having a difficult day.
“Seeing the young people step out of their comfort zones, learn new things and hit their goals is very rewarding,” she said.
Watch Candice share her experience of joining Children’s Services, supporting young people and continuing to learn.
Support young people to grow. Keep growing too.
For Candice, further career development has included taking on regional safety responsibilities while continuing in her day to day role. Career growth at Aruma can mean deepening your practice, pursuing further study or exploring leadership. Training, Emerging Leaders Programs and scholarship opportunities support different paths, including towards Service Leader and Service Management roles.
“I plan to continue my journey and continue learning how to be a better support worker for the young people,” she said.
Whether you’re experienced in youth work or maybe you’ve had your own spark of curiosity about the sector, your first role doesn’t have to be your last.
Bring your curiosity, your willingness to learn and your commitment to young people’s rights and choices. Explore current Children’s Services vacancies and discover where a career with Aruma could take you.
