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- Tasks: Support young people with SEND in their career journeys and personal development.
- Company: Essex County Council is a dynamic local authority focused on transformational change and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, career development, and a commitment to inclusive employment practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping young people thrive and achieve their aspirations.
- Qualifications: Must hold a recognised qualification in careers guidance and experience with SEND youth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to fostering collaboration and compassion.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 42000 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time £37,185 to £50,081 per annum
Location: Colchester
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 10th June 2025
Please note this opportunity is in the North Essex Quadrant.
The Role
Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, with a successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC aims to improve quality while reducing costs, with an ambitious transformation agenda that encompasses all council services. We are committed to creating a workplace where individuals, partners, and communities feel proud and valued. We also offer flexible working options.
The Opportunity
SEND Careers is a service developed collaboratively between Children and Families, Education, and Adult Social Care. It provides a supportive environment where young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) can grow and thrive, fostering collaboration, integrity, and compassion. The service promotes the development and wellbeing of children, young people, and their families, working with partners to deliver early help, family support, and effective interventions that build resilience, remove barriers, and help young people look forward to a brighter future.
The role involves working with young people with SEND, enabling participation in the four pathways of Preparing for Adulthood, raising aspirations and self-confidence, and removing barriers to learning and employment by working in partnership and brokering access to specialist services. The role also includes working closely with educational providers to support holistic, person-centred progression planning that enables access to employment opportunities.
Accountabilities
- Engage with young people aged 13-25, their families, and key supporters using specialist skills to enable participation in Preparing for Adulthood.
- Provide specialist careers guidance to support informed decision-making tailored to individual needs.
- Gather views, ideas, and aspirations of young people to create outcome-based action plans.
- Proactively gather data to support future social care needs, housing demands, and inform further education, training, supported internships, and apprenticeships.
- Support young people to access learning, employment, and personal development opportunities, including voluntary work.
- Partner with internal and external agencies to identify solutions supporting young people's outcomes.
- Work with Targeted Employment Officers to identify suitable young candidates for opportunities.
- Manage caseloads effectively, maintain accurate records, and support reporting within set timescales.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Hold a recognised professional qualification in careers guidance and development to QCF level 6 (Bachelor's degree).
- Evidence of ongoing professional development and expertise in relevant areas.
- Experience working with young people with SEND.
- Effective partnership working skills to meet diverse priorities and deadlines.
For more information about our services, visit: Children & Families.
Why Essex?
Essex offers a stimulating environment with a focus on transformational change and efficiency. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, Essex is recognized for productivity and innovation. We support flexible working and career development and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, committed to inclusive employment practices. We also prioritize safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Applicants may be required to undergo a DBS check, with responsibilities for maintaining the DBS update service.
Join our Essex Talent Community to stay informed about opportunities and news.
For queries, contact resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Careers Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the SEND framework and the specific needs of young people with SEND. Understanding the challenges they face will help you demonstrate your commitment and ability to support them effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of careers guidance and SEND. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in similar roles, as this can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience working with young people, particularly those with SEND. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've helped individuals overcome barriers and achieve their goals, showcasing your skills in a practical context.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Essex County Council's initiatives and values, especially regarding their approach to SEND. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission will show that you're not only interested in the role but also invested in their vision for the community.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Careers Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the SEND Careers Advisor position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience working with young people with SEND. Provide specific examples of how you've supported their development and helped them overcome barriers to learning and employment.
Showcase Qualifications: Make sure to mention your recognised professional qualification in careers guidance and development. If you have ongoing professional development, include that as well to demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your CV but also conveys your passion for supporting young people with SEND. Use this opportunity to express your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a SEND Careers Advisor. Familiarise yourself with the four pathways of Preparing for Adulthood and be ready to discuss how you can support young people with SEND in achieving their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience with young people with SEND. Highlight any successful interventions or partnerships you've developed that led to positive outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss your partnership working skills. Share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with educational providers or other agencies to support young people's needs.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the SEND Careers service and its future direction. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.
