At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people aged 16-18 in finding education, training, or employment opportunities.
- Company: CXK, a charity dedicated to empowering individuals for success.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and help them achieve their potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with NEET youth and understanding of post-16 education landscape.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values inclusion and continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 21400 - 24400 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Hastings
Salary: ÂŁ25,497 - ÂŁ30,476 pro rata per annum depending on experience
Hours: Part-time (22.2 hours per week)
Contract: Temporary (12-month Maternity Cover)
Reports to: Youth Employability Services Team Leader
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 11’s 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
- 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.
Skills and Employability Adviser (12-Month Maternity Cover) in Hastings employer: CXK
Contact Detail:
CXK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Skills and Employability Adviser (12-Month Maternity Cover) in Hastings
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Skills and Employability Adviser role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CXK and their values. Understand 'The CXK Way' and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on how you can demonstrate your experience with NEET young people and your ability to build trust and rapport. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the CXK team and making a difference in young people's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Skills and Employability Adviser (12-Month Maternity Cover) in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives and are passionate about the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who understands the challenges faced by NEET young people, so connect your past experiences to the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at CXK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Skills and Employability Adviser. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by NEET young people and the post-16 education landscape. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Show Your Passion
CXK values passion and commitment to helping young people. Be prepared to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've made a positive impact on someone's life. This could be through mentoring, coaching, or any relevant support work you've done.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how success is measured in this role. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team's goals.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative settings. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and built relationships with schools, parents, or other professionals to support young people.