Skills and Employability Adviser (12-Month Maternity Cover) in Hastings

About CXK

CXK empowers people to succeed in employment, education and training. The charity strives for a fairer society where everyone can grow and realise their potential. The CXK Way embodies the following core values:

• Ethical: We work with professionalism, honesty and integrity.
• Passionate: We reach out enthusiastically to all who need our support.
• Innovative: We inspire, enhance and improve.
• Collaborative: We engage, support and share with others.

The Youth Employability Service

CXK delivers the Youth Employability Service (YES) across East Sussex, commissioned by East Sussex County Council. We offer information, advice, support and guidance to young people in academic years 12 and 13 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), helping them to explore their options, plan and then take their next steps. We also work with schools supporting young people in year 11 who are at risk of becoming NEET and those who have been Electively Home Educated. Liaising with a range of other services, YES is focused on supporting young people to achieve their potential.

The Team

The YES team support young people from across the county, seeing them at CXK bases, partner venues or in community settings. The team assess and action plan with young people referred to the service, supporting them to understand their options and take steps toward achieving their goals around education, training and/or employment. Working with a wide range of young people, the team approach is focused, creative and persistent, building on young people's confidence and motivation alongside their skills and personal growth.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Skills and Employability Adviser. You will support a caseload of young people aged 16 to 18 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), or at risk of becoming NEET with part of your caseload being Electively Home Educated Year 11 young people who may be at risk of becoming NEET. You will guide them through re-engagement with suitable post-16 provisions and provide targeted intervention to those who have withdrawn from or not started their Post 16 provisions. Working across the West of the county, including Wealden, with schools and FE Colleges you will play a key role in ensuring that young people receive the tailored guidance and support they need to progress confidently into further education, training, or employment. You will build positive working relationships through co-located working, and accurate input into relevant databases. This role also supports our Electively Home Educated Year 11s with transition support to their Post 16 pathway. You will maintain regular contact with the young people you support, building trust and ensuring that casework is delivered with care and consistency. Your role will involve assessing needs, action planning, reviewing progress, and adapting support as required. You'll also act as a champion for relevant opportunities and resources ensuring young people, parents/carers, providers, and wider stakeholders are aware of what's available and how it can help.

About You

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience working with NEET, Risk of NEET young people, who understands the post-16 education and training landscape and the importance of person-centred support. You will be a confident communicator and collaborator, able to manage a varied caseload and make a genuine impact on the lives of the young people you support.

Skills and Knowledge

At CXK we are proud to be a disability confident and equal opportunities employer. We actively promote diversity within our workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Minimum Criteria

• Minimum of IAG Level 4 qualification or willingness to work towards and relevant experience.
• An understanding of the needs, and challenges faced by young people who are not in education, employment or training.
• Experience of working with young people on a one-to-one basis, developing personalised plans and goal setting.
• Experience of managing a range of tasks at any one time, and holding positive relationships with different stakeholders.

Core Competencies

• A willingness to travel with a full UK drivers licence and use of own vehicle.
• Experience working with young people.
• Demonstrable experience of engaging and supporting young people who are NEET or at risk of NEET.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience liaising effectively with schools, parents/carers, and multi-agency professionals.
• Experience of assessing individual needs, develop action plans, and monitor progress.
• Skilled in managing a varied caseload and maintaining accurate and confidential records.
• Understanding of the post-16 education, training, and employment landscape.
• Ability to build trust and maintain regular, consistent contact with young people.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Competent in using IT systems, databases, and digital communication tools.

Employee Experience

A career with CXK is deeply rewarding and offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. As part of the Youth Employability Service (YES) team, this role gives you the chance to empower and motivate young people to take positive steps into education, employment, or training. You'll work independently and proactively, with the flexibility to manage your own diary and plan your week around the needs of your caseload. No two days are the same you'll balance 1:1 support, multi-agency collaboration, school visits, and provider engagement. It's a role that requires initiative, empathy, and a passion for creating opportunities for young people who need it most. At CXK, we are committed to supporting our staff to grow, thrive, and develop their potential. You'll be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values inclusion, wellbeing, and continuous learning.

Benefits of working with us

Our employee benefits include:

• 30-33 days holiday, plus bank holidays.
• Defined contribution pension scheme (matched by CXK up to 10% depending on length of service criteria).
• Benenden private healthcare cover.
• Flexible working.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Training and development programmes and opportunities.
• Mental and physical healthcare initiatives and more.

Recruitment Timeline

Vacancy closing date: Tuesday 17th February 2026.

Application review date: Tuesday 17th February 2026.

Interview dates: Tuesday 24th February and Tuesday 3rd March 2026.

Useful Information

If you have any questions or wish to have an informal conversation before submitting your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@cxk.org. Please note: Applicants will need to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide references before any offer of employment is made.