Careers Lead

Located:   Southsea

Contract:        Permanent

Start Date: 1st September 2021 (sooner if possible)

Salary: Support Band 8, points 20-28. ££25,991-£32,234 pro rata (£22,829 - £28,312)

Hours: 36hrs per week, 40 weeks per year

Early application is strongly encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews/an appointment may take place before the closing date.

Job Description: Careers Lead

The Role

To provide positive and dynamic leadership in all areas relating to careers including pathways and enrichment with the aim of preparing all our pupils for future success in education, employment or training.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the schools’ strategic plans meet the statutory requirements for schools, including independent guidance for all students in years 7-11, access for further education and technical providers to speak with students and up to date information on the website 

• Facilitate and coordinate events and opportunities for students across both academies in line with the strategic plans. Core activity will include; 

• Manage all paperwork linked with external trips and events including creating risk assessments, gathering parental consent and securing payment of invoices 

• Manage the recording of student attendance and engagement with opportunities and support with the preparation of termly reports in school leaders

• Oversee the coordination of careers guidance interviews for students to secure positive and appropriate destinations at the end of Year 11 and manage the destinations data collection process 

• Engage with external businesses, further and higher education institutions and third sector organisations to create purposeful partnerships and secure high quality student opportunities.

• Develop strong lines of communication with colleagues, students, parents and external partners, and use the school website and social media to promote and celebrate relevant news 

• Make strong links within the schools including liaising with heads of year/house and colleagues delivering PSHE, enrichment or guidance. On occasion you may be asked to develop and present training for staff members 

• Develop and manage the alumni community within the schools, ensuring that they are used for pathways and enrichment events 

 Other

• Actively promote the safety and welfare of our children and young people 

• Ensure compliance with Arks data protection rules and procedures

• Liaise with colleagues and external contacts at all levels of seniority with confidence, tact and diplomacy

• Work with Ark Central and other academies in the Ark network, to establish good practice throughout the network, offering support where required

• Assist the Principal in maintaining and developing all that is distinctive in our Church of England school

• Participate fully in the Christian Life of the school

• To ensure the Christian ethos, Academy vision and Christian values of the Academy are clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon effectively by all. 

• To lead student assemblies and acts of collective worship, ensuring that key messages and aspirations are reinforced, and the Christian ethos of the Academy is developed.

This job description is not an exhaustive list and you will be expected to carry out any other reasonable tasks as directed by your line manager. 

Person Specification: Careers Lead

Qualifications 

• Qualified to degree level or above

• Certified Careers Leadership course or training or willingness to undertake this

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

• Experience establishing successful working relationships with students at the relevant age, treating them consistently with respect and consideration

• Experience establishing effective working relationships with external agencies

• Experience of the role of a Careers lead 

• Good working knowledge of the Gatsby benchmarks

• Committed to the academy’s inclusive Church of England ethos

• Good numeracy and literacy skills

• Good administrative, organisational and computer skills 

• Competent with computers and other technology

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children and adults

Behaviours

• Genuine passion for and a belief in the potential of every pupil 

• A robust awareness of keeping children safe, noticing safeguarding and welfare concerns, and you understand how and when to take appropriate action. 

• Belief that every student should have access to an excellent education regardless of background

• Professional outlook, detailed orientated and able to multi task and meet deadlines

• A team player that can work collaboratively as well as using own initiative

• Helpful, positive, patient and caring nature

• Calm and professional under pressure

• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion

• Flexible attitude towards work and demonstrates sound judgement

Other

• Right to work in the UK

• Commitment to equality of opportunity and the safeguarding and welfare of all students

• Willingness to undertake training

• This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our academies.  In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process. This process is outlined here, but can be provided in more detail if requested. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.