Careers Advisor/Work Based Learning Co-Ordinator in Reading

Career Advisor and Reading Intervention Tutor (3 days per week). Lead, deliver and evaluate high‑quality, impartial Careers advice to students within Years 09‑13, focusing on key transition points and transition into work experience and further education. Identify, organise and supervise Work Experience placements for Years 10‑12 and develop an effective work‑related learning provision. Plan, deliver and assess targeted reading interventions for identified students in Years 09‑11 who are below age‑related expectations, working closely with the Literacy Lead, SENDCO and pastoral teams to build reading confidence through evidence‑based, small‑group and 1:1 support.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver impartial, one‑to‑one and small‑group guidance meetings with students at key transition points.
• Work with pupils, parents and staff to raise aspirations for future pathways, providing accurate, impartial, up‑to‑date information, advice and guidance.
• Use strategies to ensure all students leave school with an appropriate and aspirational destination secured, aiming to reduce the number of NEETs.
• Collect, collate and report accurate Destinations data to County and to the Trust.
• Maintain accurate records on Unifrog, Compass+ and other record systems regarding student progression.
• Support information evenings, Options Evenings and Sixth‑Form Open Evening, providing effective support and advice to students and parents.
• Liaise with Further and Higher Education providers, cementing effective links to support students' next steps.
• Collaborate with Careers Leads across the Trust to ensure an effective work‑related programme is implemented, meeting Gatsby Benchmarks and Equalex Modern Work Experience 2026.
• Organise an effective Work‑Experience programme, including sourcing placements, completing associated paperwork, ensuring Safeguarding and Health and Safety requirements are met.
• Prepare and deliver assemblies, presentations and preparatory sessions for students, parents and staff, regarding Work Experience.
• Monitor the effectiveness of Work Experience and Work‑Related Learning across the Trust.
• Work alongside teaching staff to provide aspirational and relevant Work‑Related Learning opportunities linked to curriculum areas, supporting the organisation of trips and, where appropriate, accompanying trips.
• Deliver structured reading interventions (phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary development) to small groups or individuals.
• Adapt intervention materials to meet student need and engagement levels, using diagnostic assessment tools to establish reading levels and track progress.
• Monitor and record student progress regularly using agreed tracking systems.
• Provide feedback to teaching staff, Heads of Year and SEND team to ensure joined‑up support.
• Develop positive working relationships with students to foster a love of reading and improved self‑efficacy, promoting reading for pleasure and building confidence in reluctant or struggling readers.
• Liaise regularly with English teachers, the SENDCO and pastoral staff to ensure a holistic approach.
• Attend relevant meetings and contribute to the development of the school's literacy strategy.
• Communicate with parents/carers where appropriate to support student progress at home.
• Attend appropriate training and CPD sessions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Level 6 (or higher) qualification in Careers Guidance, registered with the Career Development Institute (e.g. Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance).
• Experience of working with secondary‑age students on demonstrating careers advice in a school or college setting.
• Experience of providing reading and literacy support, including knowledge of phonics‑based intervention approaches (e.g. Read Write Inc., Fresh Start, Lexonik).
• Familiarity with tracking and assessment tools, experience of organising work‑related learning, and setting Destination data.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Strong understanding of the current Gatsby Experience of supporting young people with specific benchmarks, the Equalex Modern Work Experience 2026 framework.
• Commitment to regular and ongoing professional development and training to establish outstanding classroom practice.
• Willingness to work flexibly if required, with students, staff, parents and external partners.

Personal Attributes

• Positive and resilient individual, driving integrity and a cheerful disposition.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a clear vision and moral purpose.
• Ability to work within and apply all school policies, e.g. safeguarding, health and safety, equal opportunities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.