At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs in their career aspirations and pathways.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at Shaw Education Trust making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health plan, discounts, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive environment for personal development.
- Why this job: Empower students to build confidence and prepare for bright futures.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and a recognised careers guidance qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 19898 - 20866 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Careers Advisor to join our SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school team. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people by supporting them to identify their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for positive futures in education, employment, and training. Working closely with students, staff, families, and external agencies, you will provide tailored careers guidance that recognises the individual barriers and challenges our learners may face.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, impartial careers information, advice, and guidance to students with SEMH needs.
- Support pupils in identifying career aspirations, pathways, and achievable goals.
- Develop and maintain relationships with colleges, training providers, employers, and apprenticeship organisations.
- Organise work experience placements, employer encounters, careers events, and transition opportunities.
- Assist students with CV writing, applications, interview preparation, and employability skills.
- Work collaboratively with pastoral teams, SENCOs, therapists, and teaching staff to support individual outcomes.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to Gatsby Benchmark and careers programme development.
- Promote attendance, engagement, resilience, and independence among students.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
- Experience working with young people, particularly those with SEMH, SEND, or additional needs.
- A recognised careers guidance qualification (Level 4 or above desirable).
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Patience, empathy, resilience, and a flexible approach.
- Knowledge of post-16 pathways, apprenticeships, further education, and local labour markets.
- The ability to motivate and inspire students who may have had negative experiences in education.
Employee Benefits
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff).
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays).
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free Discount For Teachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
Actual Salary: £19,898- £20,866
Working hours: 32.5 per week, term time only plus 5 days INSET
Contract type: Fixed term 12 months
Careers Admin Support employer: Portland School
Shaw Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With generous holiday entitlements, access to health and wellbeing plans, and opportunities for professional growth through the Institute of Education, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with SEMH needs. The collaborative culture encourages strong relationships among staff, students, and external partners, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Admin Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH students. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to careers guidance and SEMH needs. We suggest role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping young people! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of their unique challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Admin Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Careers Advisor. We want to see how you can make a difference in the lives of young people, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Skills:Emphasise your communication and relationship-building skills in your written application. We’re looking for someone who can connect with students and support them effectively, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Genuine and Compassionate:We value empathy and patience, especially when working with students with SEMH needs. Use your application to convey your genuine passion for helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
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 ensure you’re considered for this meaningful role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portland School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Careers Advisor, especially in an SEMH context. Familiarise yourself with the challenges young people face and how tailored guidance can help them. This will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share examples of how you've supported young people in the past, particularly those with additional needs. Highlight your patience and understanding, as these qualities are crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like supporting a student who is struggling with their career choices. Think through your responses ahead of time, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your ability to build relationships by discussing your experience working with external agencies, colleges, and employers. Mention any partnerships you've developed and how they benefited students, as collaboration is key in this role.
