Careers Adviser in Reading

Maiden Erlegh Trust is seeking an experienced and adaptable Careers Adviser to join our team. This role will deliver high-quality, impartial careers education, information, advice and guidance to students across our Trust schools. The Trust Careers Adviser supports students in understanding and exploring Key Stage 4, Post-16 and Post-18 pathways and helps them make informed decisions about future education, training and employment opportunities. Working across the Trust, the postholder delivers personalised careers guidance, prioritises support for vulnerable students and contributes to careers education activities that support progression and equality of opportunity. The role also contributes to Gatsby Benchmark compliance, destination planning and tracking, work-experience provision and careers education initiatives across the Trust.

Responsibilities

• Deliver one-to-one careers interviews for students in Key Stages 4 and 5 and provide personalised careers action plans to support progression and future decision-making.
• Prioritise careers guidance and support for vulnerable students, including pupils eligible for pupil premium, young carers, looked after children and students with Education, Health and Care Plans.
• Support compliance with the Gatsby Benchmarks for good careers provision across the Trust.
• Support students to secure ambitious and appropriate post-16 and post-18 destinations and contribute to the Trust's NEET prevention strategy, including destination tracking for students in Years 11, 12 and 13.
• Promote equality of opportunity by supporting ambitious destinations and challenging stereotypes.
• Deliver assemblies, presentations and guidance sessions on work-readiness, destination pathways and personal development topics.
• Support students at key transition points through individual, small-group and larger-group careers guidance activities.
• Provide careers information and guidance to parents and carers at key points throughout the year.
• Signpost careers information, pathway options, labour market information, current skills gaps, STEAM opportunities and relevant support organisations.
• Support the Trust's careers education strategy and activities, including careers fairs, careers resources and the careers support platform.
• Contribute to staff careers training, guidance and support to help colleagues deliver careers provision.
• Support the Trust's Key Stage 4 work experience placement programme and provide advice and guidance on examination days.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger, supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Qualifications

• Holds a Level 6 or higher careers qualification, such as the Qualification in Careers Development (QCD), the Diploma in Careers Guidance and Development or an equivalent qualification.
• Subscribes to the CDI Code of Ethics and holds a valid DBS check.
• Has experience of supporting students with social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Has experience of working collaboratively and co-operatively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, team-working, written and verbal presentation skills.
• Understands how to work with children and young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Demonstrates strong negotiation, problem-solving, analytical and reflective skills.
• Has strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Is able to work flexibly, adapt to changing needs and use initiative.
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
• Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
• ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day's leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child's sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.
• Professional Development: Comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to attend and deliver CPD and to benefit from Apprenticeship Levy funding.
• Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.
• Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.
• Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.