Careers Counsellor

We are looking for an experienced careers counsellor to join our growing school for an August 2024 start (later start date possible if necessary for the right candidate)
For all staff in school we share a responsibility to ensure that children are safe and properly supervised at all times. Our school is committed to ‘amazing learning’- providing enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences so that every pupil makes as much progress as possible. All staff are expected to adhere to The Aquila Professional Code of Conduct and commit to promoting our vision – ‘A happy community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices, engage in meaningful learning experiences and make exceptional progress’. Our focus is providing children with amazing learning and to be the school of choice for the community we serve.  

The Aquila School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.   

Purpose of role:  

• To co-ordinate and develop a range of programmes and structures to lead our school’s programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance service provided to all pupils at school (whole-school). Providing and tracking the impact of an inspiring and best practice careers advisory service throughout the School allowing all learners access to impartial and up to date information which supports them to make successful future careers choices and applications to their university of choice. 

Key qualities and skills:  

• Commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people.
• Willingness and ability to work co-operatively as part of a team
• Willingness and ability to use own initiative and work without constant supervision
• Flexibility and ability to cope with a wide range of tasks in a busy and changing environment
• Enthusiastic, innovative and highly motivated
• Genuine commitment to delivering positive outcomes for pupils
• Dedicated to achieving excellence, conscientious and hard working
• Ability to engage with and relate to young people
• Highly proficient in the use of IT systems
• Good written and spoken communication skills and the ability to verbally present information to staff, pupils and parents
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Ability to prioritise workloads
• Ability to handle confidential issues and materials sensitively and appropriately
• Ability to work to deadlines accurately
• Understanding of world-wide university and college application systems and processes
• Proof reading skills 

Key duties include:  

Learning Support  

• Act as central point of information and guidance for all pupils, parents and staff in relation to careers information advice and guidance
• Co-ordinate and conduct individual and group careers interviews with pupils across the school.
• Identification of targeted provision and delivery of the School’s Careers Delivery Plan through liaison with the Assistant Headteacher and Heads of Year.
• Support pupils through the securing of placements and application procedures for post-18 and work experience.
• Provide guidance to pupils on completing application forms, interview techniques and presentation skills
• Organisation of careers questionnaires and psychometric testing, and provision of feedback
• Monitor, record and communicate leaver destination information to relevant members of the school community, ISP team and local regulator
• Liaise with external careers services
• Develop employer engagement opportunities through visits/talks and improve links with local employers 

Management   

• Plan the programme of activity in careers guidance
• Brief and support teachers involved in careers guidance
• Monitor delivery of careers guidance across the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks
• Support tutors, providing initial information and advice
• Monitoring access to, and take up of, guidance and participation in careers activities
• Ensuring colleges and universities have access to the school to share opportunities with all pupils
• Managing the careers budget as appropriate
• Managing their own CPD and supporting the ongoing CPD of colleagues in the careers team
• Advise the senior leadership team on policy, strategy and resources for careers guidance
• Review and evaluate careers guidance and provide information for school improvement planning, DSIB and other purposes
• Prepare and implement a careers guidance development plan
• Ensure that details of the school’s careers programme and the provider access policy statement are published on the school’s website. 

Coordination   

• Manage the provision of career and labour market information
• Manage the careers section of the school’s website, ensuring information is accurate and up to date
• Liaise with the PSHE leader and other subject leaders to plan their contribution to careers guidance
• Coordinate encounters with employers and work experience
• Communicate with pupils and their parents
• Promote and ensure all pupils access and utilise Unifrog 

Networking   

• Establish and develop links with universities
• Establish and develop links with employers
• Commission careers guidance services where appropriate
• Manage links with external organisations
• Secure funding for careers related projects
• Build a network of alumni who can help with the careers guidance programme
• Manage, coordinate and develop the alumni network
• Manage the alumni Linkedin page 

Policy, Planning and Service Development   

• Contribute to the work of the school by participating positively in staff meetings and/or working groups 

Training & Personal Development  

• Ensure personal knowledge of the careers and higher education advice and information is constantly updated
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development 

In addition, all staff are required to carry out any tasks required by the school or the regional office to facilitate the smooth day to day running of the school   

Person specification:  

Essential  

Desirable  

Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Career Guidance and Advice or other relevant degree qualification  

At least two years’ experience in a similar setting  

Understanding and experience of KS3, KS4 and KS5 education  

Experience of leading careers and a good level of knowledge relating to careers, further and higher education.  

Excellent ICT, administrative and organisational skills.  

The ability to communicate effectively and to develop good relationships with students, staff and parents/carers and outside agencies.  

Experience of successfully motivating, encouraging and engaging young people from a range of backgrounds and with a range of aspirations and attainment.