Careers Information Advice and Guidance Advisor - Essex

Get Set UK for transforming lives through career guidance

At Get Set UK, we believe in second chances and real opportunities. If you\’re passionate about helping individuals rebuild their lives, this role is your chance to make an impact where it truly matters. As a Careers, Information, Advice & Guidance (CIAG) Advisor, you will work inside prison settings, helping individuals develop the skills, confidence, and aspirations needed for a fresh start.

Through tailored career coaching, employability workshops, and personalised action plans, you\’ll inspire individuals to create brighter futures beyond custody. This is more than a job-it\’s an opportunity to change lives, reduce reoffending, and help build stronger communities. If you\’re looking for purpose, challenge, and a role that makes a tangible difference, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

Your impact:

As a CIAG Advisor, you will provide one-to-one careers advice, skills coaching, and employability support to individuals in custody, ensuring they have meaningful pathways to employment, training, or further education upon release.

• Empower Individuals – Deliver career guidance that helps individuals understand their skills, set realistic goals, and plan for the future.
• Deliver Engaging Workshops – Facilitate interactive sessions on CV writing, interview preparation, financial literacy, and digital skills.
• Support Job & Training Placements – Help individuals secure Release on Temporary Licence (RoTL) placements, apprenticeships, and further education opportunities .
• Provide Holistic Support – Address barriers to employment, including mental health challenges, housing support, and financial wellbeing.
• Work Closely with Stakeholders – Collaborate with prison staff, training providers, local authorities, and employers to enhance career opportunities.
• Ensure Compliance & Safeguarding – Maintain strict adherence to prison security protocols, safeguarding policies, and data protection regulations.

Who we seek:

We are looking for empathetic, resilient, and results-driven professionals who can inspire confidence in those facing significant challenges. The ideal candidate will be a natural motivator with the ability to build trust, adapt to different learning needs, and provide clear, practical advice.

• Compassionate & Non-Judgemental – You genuinely care about helping individuals turn their lives around.
• Resilient & Adaptable – You can work effectively in prison settings and handle challenging conversations with professionalism.
• Excellent Communicator – You can deliver impactful one-to-one advice and group workshops, making career guidance engaging and practical.
• Highly Organised – You can manage caseloads, track progress, and meet targets effectively.
• Collaborative & Team-Focused – You enjoy working with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to create opportunities for individuals.
• Ambitious & Proactive – You are goal-driven and thrive in an outcome-focused environment.

Experience and qualifications

Essential:

• Level 3 or higher in Careers Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) (or willingness to work towards Level 4).
• Experience in employability coaching, careers guidance, or offender rehabilitation.
• Ability to deliver engaging workshops and one-to-one career coaching.
• Understanding of safeguarding, prison security, and compliance requirements.

Desirable:

• Training in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Practice, or Neurodiversity Awareness.
• Knowledge of housing applications, benefits systems, or financial support for ex-offenders.
• Experience working in secure or criminal justice environments.

Vetting & security requirements

To work in a prison setting, all applicants must pass:

• Enhanced DBS Check – Screening for suitability to work with vulnerable groups.
• Prison Vetting & Clearance – Comprehensive security checks including employment history and criminal record assessment.

Recruitment timeline

Due to the extensive vetting process, we are hiring in advance for upcoming roles.

Successful applicants will be kept informed throughout the process.

You share our values:

• Be ambitious: Show determination and innovation in your approach.
• Be inspiring: Inspire responsibility through your daily actions.
• Be proud: Take pride in your daily achievements and want to support your local community.
• Be considerate: Collaborate well in an inclusive environment.
• Own it: Own your attitude, motivation, and actions.

Our promise to you:

We\’re here to support you as much as you support our clients. Our mission is clear: to empower, ignite opportunities, support resilience, and nurture career success for everyone.

Our workplace is dynamic, committed, encouraging, and empathetic. We believe in creating an environment that is not just about professional growth but also personal wellbeing.

As part of the Get Set UK team, you\’ll enjoy:

• Competitive salaries that appreciate your hard work and dedication.
• Comprehensive pension schemes designed for your future security.
• Healthcare packages that prioritise your wellbeing.
• Gym memberships to support your physical health and mental clarity.
• An inclusive employee forum where your voice is heard and valued.
• Continuous training and development opportunities to help you grow and succeed.

Why Get Set UK?

• Make a Difference Every Day – Directly impact lives and support individuals towards rehabilitation and employment .
• Career Growth & Development – Gain specialist training and access to career progression opportunities within a dynamic organisation.
• Supportive & Inclusive Team – Work with passionate professionals dedicated to transforming lives.
• Competitive Benefits – Enjoy a comprehensive salary package, pension scheme, wellness initiatives, and ongoing learning opportunities.

Get Set for a better tomorrow!

If you\’re ready to make a difference and work in a rewarding, impactful role, we want to hear from you! Apply now with your CV!

See the Get Set story here:

Learn more about working at Get Set here:

We reserve the right to close applications early. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome all applications. Get Set UK is an Equal Opportunity Employer, offering employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, physical and mental disability, age, citizenship, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, and any other protected status. Our aim is to support and maintain the physical and mental health of all people at work. If you do need any reasonable adjustments as part of your application and recruitment process, please let us know at the outset and we will work hard to provide the right solution for you. This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners/clients and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful appointment to this role will require satisfactory completion of recruitment checks. Get Set UK does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the Recruitment Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Get Set UK will consider these CVs as gifts and will not be responsible for any fees related to CVs received in this unsolicited manner.