Careers Advisor (CIAG) & Pastoral Support Officer

Flexible Learning School is an Ofsted-rated Good independent Alternative Provision supporting secondary-aged pupils across Birmingham. We provide a nurturing, inclusive and aspirational learning environment where every young person is encouraged to achieve their full potential.

We are looking for a committed, compassionate and reflective CIAG & Pastoral Support Officer who is passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers, raise their aspirations and make informed decisions about their future. This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people by providing high-quality Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) alongside targeted pastoral support that promotes personal development, wellbeing and readiness for adulthood.

The Role

Based at our Hockley or Northfield site, you will report directly to the Head of Teaching and Learning and work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, SENCO and pastoral staff.

Salary: £24,420 - £27,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday (Term Time Only)
Lunch and Breaks: 30 minutes (unpaid)
Hours per Week: 37 hours 30 minutes
Location: Hockley or Northfield, Birmingham

As our Careers Guidance (CIAG) & Pastoral Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting pupils to achieve positive educational outcomes and successful post-16 destinations. You will deliver impartial careers information, advice and guidance whilst providing pastoral support that helps pupils overcome barriers to learning, improve attendance, develop resilience and prepare for adulthood.

Working with small groups and on a one-to-one basis, you will build positive relationships that enable pupils to feel safe, valued and motivated to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Deliver impartial Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) through structured one-to-one and small group sessions.


• Support pupils to understand career pathways, including further education, apprenticeships, training and employment opportunities.


• Help deliver a stable and inspiring careers programme in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks.


• Use Labour Market Information (LMI) to raise aspirations and support informed decision-making.


• Organise and support meaningful encounters with employers, colleges, training providers and external agencies.


• Support pupils with college applications, apprenticeship applications, CV writing, interview preparation and transition planning.


• Track pupil destinations and contribute to improving positive post-16 outcomes.


• Provide targeted pastoral support to pupils experiencing barriers to learning.


• Promote pupils' personal development, confidence, resilience, emotional wellbeing and independence.


• Support improvements in attendance, engagement and behaviour.


• Develop positive relationships with pupils, parents, carers and external professionals.


• Deliver structured interventions to support emotional regulation, motivation, self-esteem and readiness for learning and employment.


• Provide tailored CIAG and pastoral support for pupils with SEND, SEMH and additional learning needs.


• Support pupils in achieving outcomes identified within Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).


• Promote equality of opportunity and ensure every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential.


• Work closely with the SENCO and wider staff team to deliver inclusive support.


• Maintain accurate records of interventions, careers guidance sessions, destinations and pupil progress.


• Contribute to the school's evaluation of careers provision and personal development.


• Support the collection of evidence for Ofsted inspections, including destination data, pupil voice and Gatsby Benchmark evidence.


• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection in accordance with statutory guidance.


• Participate in staff meetings, training, CPD and school events.


• Support the wider life of the school and contribute to continuous school improvement.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who has:

• A Level 4 or Level 6 Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) qualification, or a willingness to work towards this.


• Experience of providing careers advice, pastoral support or working with young people in an educational setting.


• An understanding of the Gatsby Benchmarks and careers education.


• Knowledge of post-16 pathways, including further education, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.


• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents, carers and professionals.


• Experience of supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH or additional learning needs would be advantageous but is not essential.


• The ability to maintain accurate records and demonstrate the impact of interventions.


• A flexible, resilient and proactive approach to supporting young people.


• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

A Level 7 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join Flexible Learning School?

At Flexible Learning School, you'll become part of a supportive and passionate team dedicated to transforming the lives of young people.

We offer:

• The opportunity to contribute to a high-quality careers programme that genuinely changes lives.


• Small class sizes that enable personalised support and meaningful relationships.


• A supportive leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and professional development.


• High-quality CPD, including support towards recognised CIAG qualifications.


• Clear opportunities for career progression and leadership development.


• A collaborative and inclusive working environment.


• Free onsite parking.


• The opportunity to make a lasting difference every day.

Safeguarding

Flexible Learning School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check, online searches and safer recruitment checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). The cost of the Enhanced DBS check will be met by the successful candidate.