At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in achieving their goals and overcoming barriers to education and employment.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact on young lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, ongoing training, generous holiday entitlement, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and equality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Experience working with young people or vulnerable groups and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We're looking for a skilled, motivated and compassionate individual to join Sheffield City Council's Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Service and help young people build positive futures. This is an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young people by providing practical support, information, advice and guidance that helps them progress into education, employment and training.
As an IAG Assistant, you will work directly with young people across Sheffield, building positive relationships, supporting them to overcome barriers, and helping them achieve their aspirations.
About the Role
You will encourage, motivate and empower young people to identify their goals and take positive steps towards achieving them, particularly those who are:
- Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)
- At risk of becoming NEET
- Experiencing social, emotional or practical barriers to progression
- Preparing for adulthood with SEND support needs
No two days are the same. One day you might be helping a young person complete a college application, another supporting someone who has lost confidence after leaving education, or working alongside schools, families and partner organisations to remove barriers preventing a young person from achieving their ambitions.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience working with young people or vulnerable groups.
- Can build trust and engage effectively with a wide range of young people and families.
- Is organised, resilient and able to manage a varied workload.
- Is committed to inclusion, equality and improving outcomes for young people.
- Understands and reflects the diverse communities we serve, bringing valuable insight, lived experience or cultural awareness to the role.
Why Join Us?
- Make a meaningful difference to young people's lives.
- Work within a supportive and experienced team.
- Benefit from ongoing training, professional development and opportunities to build a rewarding career supporting young people.
- Benefit from flexible working and Local Government employment benefits.
We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are currently underrepresented within our workforce and value the skills, experiences, perspectives and cultural insight they bring.
Please note that interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 1st September.
We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.
Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form. Sometimes, if lots of people apply, we might not be able to interview everyone who qualifies for the Guarantee. In these cases, we’ll interview the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job.
Full-time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share.
If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade. If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade.
Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.
Information Advice and Guidance Assistant in Sheffield employer: Beighton
Sheffield City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the community we serve. As a 0-5 SEND Service Manager, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlement, and opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young children with special educational needs and disabilities. Join us in our commitment to equality, diversity, and the well-being of our workforce, where your contributions are valued and supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Advice and Guidance Assistant in Sheffield
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Beighton.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Beighton!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Beighton, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Beighton or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Advice and Guidance Assistant in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Beighton:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Beighton! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Beighton
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
