Careers Advisor

We are seeking a suitably qualified individual to join our Careers Department. The job holder will develop, enhance and deliver professional careers guidance to the school community and manage and supervise the Careers Library, ensuring a welcoming, positive and nurturing environment for all. This is a term-time plus two weeks role, 35 hours per week and is available from September 2026 (an earlier start would be desirable).

Main Responsibilities:

• To provide pupils who seek extra guidance with career education, information, advice and guidance (CIAG) through individual discussions and action planning and be the key contact for all pupils seeking careers information.
• To be responsible for the materials within the Careers Library: plan the layout of the Careers Library and relevant materials and replace outdated resources for the library.
• To keep the Careers SharePoint drive and its files updated and organised, including contact database and university requirements information updated.
• To coordinate and accompany Careers related school trips e.g. UCAS Discovery (University Fair), Open Days as required.
• To be responsible for the planning and management of 4ths’ (S3) World of Work workshops, 5ths’ (S4) Careers Carousel, 6ths’ (S5) Careers Talks, and Senior Careers Fair including arranging visiting speakers.
• To be responsible for the Geits (P7) Careers Fair, creating lesson materials, teaching them, organising and overseeing the fair.
• To work with the wider Pupil Support team to identify pupils most in need of careers support and plan proactive interventions.
• To be responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating the Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Mock Interview Programme for the 7ths.
• To organise university/college contacts to come in to the school for careers events and to telephone university admission tutors for updated information for pupils.
• To work with organisations such as Unifrog, the Armed Services and any other relevant bodies and individuals.
• To co-ordinate materials needed for events, including Open Days, Parents’ Evenings, Health & Wellbeing lessons, Workshops, Visiting Speakers Events.
• To support pupils looking for Work Experience placements, apprenticeships, information on taking a Gap Year and Studying Abroad and forge effective links to make this possible.
• To keep up to date with developments in Further Education and apprenticeship opportunities and be responsible for advising pupils and helping with apprenticeship applications/CVs.
• To carry out careers interviews and write reports.
• Attend weekly Departmental Meeting, keep minutes, and provide support to the Careers Team.
• To publicise useful information for pupils, including University/College Open Day information, Work Experience opportunities, upcoming external events/workshops, online courses (YASS and MOOCs), etc. on Teams, Unifrog.
• To be responsible for School College Partnership pupils – helping with application and first point of contact for Edinburgh College.
• To be a supervisor and co-coordinator for EPQ and HPQ qualifications.

Other general tasks:

• To maintain a database of parents/helpers who are willing to help with work experience and interviewing.
• To maintain a database of university/college contacts.
• To co-ordinate careers items for the newssheet.
• To supervise pupils when they are working in the library and to conduct some general library duties.
• To support Senior School Librarian as required.

Ideal Candidate:

• Qualifications/Experience
• Good working knowledge of MS Office – E
• Educated to Higher/A-level (or equivalent) in English - E
• Diploma in Careers Guidance – E
• Experience of working with school-age children in a collaborative environment in which expectations are high - E
• Experience of providing high quality careers information, education, advice and guidance to a wide range of clients – E
• Experience of interviewing/recruitment – E
• Knowledge of Qualifications Scotland and subject choice leading to positive destinations – D
• Knowledge of the university/college sector - D
• Working knowledge of electronic catalogue systems – D
• Experience of arranging events – D
• Experience of supervising or co-ordinating Extended Project Qualification – D

• Personal Qualities
• High level of organisation skills - E
• Excellent oral and written communication skills - E
• Enthusiasm to work with and support the career development of school pupils – E
• Ability to use own initiative – E
• Ability to work in a team – E
• Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality, adhering to GDPR requirements – E
• Ability to undertake difficult conversations with pupils and/or parents – E
• Patience – E

Package Description:

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members. Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged. Our reward package includes:

• Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• Access to onsite gym and strength & conditioning suite
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
• Fee discount
• A three course lunch is provided during term time

Please note that this role does not offer visa sponsorship. The successful candidate must therefore be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. As the position involves regulated work with children, the successful candidate will also be required to complete a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) application.