Higher Education & Careers Advisor

Overall Purpose

The role of the Higher Education and Careers is to:

• provide high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG for pupils in the Lower School and Sixth Form via one-to-one meetings, group sessions (where appropriate) and events
• triage queries regarding HE / Careers, responding or referring as appropriate, taking increasing responsibility for the UCAS process once induction is completed
• continue to develop up-to-date professional knowledge of the evolving panorama of post-school options, building relationships with partners who can support with emerging futures pathways including (but not limited to) US and European universities, global HE opportunities, apprenticeships, direct routes to employment

Duties

• Conducts one-to-one careers interviews with pupils in Key Stages 4 and 5, maintaining accurate records of the same. (N.B. If the candidate does not yet hold a qualification in Careers Guidance to at least Level 6, they will be supported in obtaining this as part of their role before taking responsibility for careers interviews)
• Supports the Higher Education Lead in the coordination of the UCAS process in collaboration with key colleagues including tutors, HSMs and leads for specific entry routes (e.g. Oxbridge, Medicine etc).
• Is a presence in the College Hub (Sixth Form Centre), building strong working relationships with pupils and supporting their selection of appropriate university courses and career pathways suited to their needs, aspirations and academic profile
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with organisations, training providers and employers to support applications to alternative post-school opportunities, such as apprenticeships, direct employment, gap years, international study.
• Works closely with tutors, ensuring that pupils are well informed and supported as they make decisions about future pathways.
• Maintains effective communication with parents / guardians and is responsive to queries and concerns.
• Works closely with the Development Office, fostering strong links with the Old Canfordian community, who contribute to the careers programme through provision of advice and informal mentoring.
• As part of the Futures Team, supports pupils on GCSE and A level results days
• Promotes the use of Unifrog for all age groups throughout the school, ensuring all interactions with careers and HE development activities are recorded
• Contributes to the organisation, management and communication of a variety of Future Pathways processes and events, including the UCAS launch and the Careers Convention.

 Knowledge / Experience

• Qualification in careers guidance at Level 6 or above (a successful candidate not already holding this qualification will be supported in obtaining it)  (D)
• Experience offering support and guidance on educational and/or vocational choices as a mentor or advisor  (E)
• Knowledge of UK school and H.E. education systems, including current areas of development and change  (E)
• An understanding of the Gatsby Benchmarks and statutory guidance on careers advice in schools  (E)
• Professional experience, outside education, of the UK labour market  (D)
• Passionate about supporting personal development and enabling young people to achieve their goals  (E)
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build rapport with young people  (E)
• Strong written and spoken communication skills, including use of ICT for data management and tracking  (E)
• An understanding of the boarding context and a willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends for careers / H.E. events  (E)

Canford School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.