HARRIS FEDERATION: Careers Adviser

We are looking for two dedicated, conscientious and hard-working qualified careers advisers to join our central team, with opportunities in South London.

You will need to have a Diploma in Careers Guidance or Qualification in Careers Guidance to Level 6, or be working towards Level 6, to be considered for this role.

At Harris, we are proud of the incredible work that our Careers Team do to support our students as they embark on their post-school journey. From offering expert advice and guidance on higher education options to organising work experience opportunities, the team goes above and beyond to ensure our students have all the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Click here to discover more about the team.

About Us

We are a pioneering education charity, and one of the leading multi-academy trusts in the country. We have a track record of taking on some of the most challenging schools in London, turning them into places where every young person can access a high-quality education and have opportunities to succeed.

Educating 1 in 41 young people in London, we now have 52 primary and secondary academies transforming the life chances and opportunities of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Harris Federation has a track record of accomplishment in achieving success through rapid school improvement and has built an unrivalled reputation for running outstanding academies in London.

Our central team comprises a dedicated, driven group of departments working centrally to provide support across the Federation and all of our academies. Across a multitude of key departments, we maintain expertise all integral to supporting central and academies in areas such as Finance, HR, Data, Estates Management, Talent and many more.

Main Areas of Responsibility

In your role as careers adviser, you will:

• Work with each academy’s career lead to plan, manage, and deliver a careers education programme and manage the contribution of colleagues, parents, and other partners to develop high-quality careers learning, planning and development
• Support the development and enhance the teaching quality of staff delivering careers
• Work directly with students to offer top quality careers advice and guidance in relation to the Gatsby benchmarks
• Work with the Federation careers team to ensure the quality provision and innovations across all academies
• Develop links with and keep up to date with the range of opportunities available to students including education, apprenticeships and other work-based education options
• Keep up to date with occupational and labour market intelligence
• Create links with higher education establishments, employers and professional organisations
• Ensure staff and students are aware of the range of opportunities available and are able to take advantage of these links
• Take the lead on key areas that will benefit the careers team
• Organise speakers to undertake presentation or careers activities.
• Undertake assemblies as and when required
• Develop and produce careers literature and web-based information
• Promote the use of careers information including books, software, websites and videos
• In conjunction with the academy librarians, manage the provision of a careers library and information areas
• Audit and evaluate careers education in each Academy
• Work in collaboration with the careers team and other colleagues to formulate aims, objectives and plans for careers
• As part of the Careers Team, organise and plan events and activities
• Contribute to the development of a careers policy for each Academy
• Ensure that the work of careers fully reflects the Harris Federation and Academy ethos and mission
• Keep abreast of the latest developments in careers

Qualifications & Experience

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Diploma in Careers Guidance or Qualification in Careers Guidance to Level 6 (or working towards Level 6 providing you are currently Level 4 qualified)
• GCSE maths and English Language at A*-C
• A levels or equivalent
• Experience of developing and delivering CEIAG within an education setting
• Experience of successfully motivating students to plan and achieve their career goals
• Knowledge of the university admissions system and student finance
• A working understanding of the full range of career opportunities for students,
• including apprenticeships
• A working understanding and commitment to equality of opportunity for all
• Commitment to the highest standards of child protection
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant statutory guidance pertaining to CEIAG
• Ability to relate well to young people and a genuine interest in delivering positive outcomes for them

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan including access to a virtual GP, electric car scheme, 26 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) for staff who work across the full year, and many other benefits.

We offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with 2 days from home and 3 days either with the team at our office in East Croydon or visiting one of our academies.

Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.