Careers Officer

Main purpose of job

Under the direction of the Careers Manager the Careers Officer will work with counterparts on other campuses to provide a coherent and effective Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) service. He/she will undertake a range of tasks associated with supporting such provision and work with other staff in developing and implementing a range of activities designed to support prospective and current students in making career choices.

Responsibilities / duties:

Provide a professional, impartial and client centred appointment based careers guidance service for full time and part time students/trainees and external clients and maintain records of the guidance provided.

Establish and maintain a comprehensive, up to date web based careers information resource (including on line materials) which supports the curriculum areas of the college.

Coordinate the UCAS application process on base campus for students seeking entry to Higher Education Institutes and provide training and support for staff and students involved in the process.

Prepare and disseminate the careers induction programme for new students and trainees.

Liaise with local and regional employers to maintain and develop a College Jobs and Work placement advertisement service accessible to students.

Organise and participate in pre-entry events such as University visits, Open Days and Information sessions to provide advice and guidance to prospective students.

Liaise with Marketing on the development and participation in promotional activites including school visits and college open days.

Support Course Tutors in the delivery of the Careers Employablity modules through provision of suitable resources.

Liaise with course tutors and all sections of the college to promote CEIAG services to students.

Maintain contact with appropriate education and guidance organisations and other networks to ensure that the CEIAG service is informative, up to date and meeting standards of best practice.

Work with Learning Resources staff to develop and maintain a careers library on allocated base campus which incorporates information on education, training and employment.

Work with Schools Partnerships and community staff in developing CEIAG provision with partner schools and community organisations.

Undertake continuous review and evaluation of the CEIAG provision consistent with internal and external quality assurance requirements inc Matrix and ISEF.

Prepare relevant reports and contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate management information systems.

Maximise the use of ILT in the provision of the Careers Service in the College including on line provision and data management.

Participate in continuous professional development activities to update and enhance own knowledge, skills and professional competence needed to carry out the role effectively.

Undertake other duties as assigned from time to time by the Principal and Chief Executive, Directors of the College, Heads of Quality or persons to whom they have delegated authority.

NOTES

This is a description of the job as it is at present constituted. The duties and responsibilities are intended to give a broad indication of the variety of tasks the post holder may be asked to undertake. It should be noted that a job description is not an exhaustive list of activities and staff may be asked to carry out duties commensurate with the grade of the post. The job description may also be amended to take account of changed circumstances, and staff will be consulted when this is necessary. It is the College’s aim to reach agreement to reasonable changes, but if agreement is not possible, the College reserves the right to insist on changes to a job description after consultation with the post holder.

In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the post it is expected that the post holder will do so in accordance with the College Ethos, Equal Opportunities Policy and that in doing so the post holder will contribute to the discharge of Section 75 statutory duties and implementation of the College Equality Scheme.

This is a post which is governed by The Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (Northern Ireland) Order 2003. Before appointing anyone to this post, it is policy to ask for the relevant check to be carried out by Access NI.

The College operates a no smoking policy and all staff are expected to adhere to this.

In order to deliver its objectives, the College has developed to the following set of values and all staff expected to work within these; · Solution focused · Excellence driven · Responsive · Collaborative

All Staff at Principal Lecturer Level and above (including equivalent staff on NJC Terms & Conditions, band 6 and above) are required to participate in day, evening and holiday cover rotas as required.

All Staff are required to contribute to a healthy and safe working environment and to adhere to all health and safety regulations and College policies.

All staff has a responsibility for ensuring that risks are managed at College, team and individual level. This process will include the assessment and effective control of all acceptable risk situations.

All Budget holders will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of a balanced Budget across their area of responsibility, including the delivery of any agreed cost improvement programmes.

Staff will be expected to participate in staff training and development activities to update and enhance their own knowledge, skills and professional competence needed to fulfil the role effectively.

Please note that a waiting list may be created from this post from which further appointments may be made should the same or a similar post arise within twelve months of the interview date. Please note such posts may be based at any College Campus.

Essential Criteria

Hold the Level 4 NVQ in Advice and guidance, or a careers related qualification which is equivalent or higher.

Hold the Certificate in Career Guidance Theory (CCGT) or be prepared to undertake the Certificate in Career Guidance Theory (CCGT) within two years of taking up the post.

Have at least two years’ experience in the delivery of careers information and guidance.

Access to a form of transport which will enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full.

Demonstrate excellent IT skills in the use of Microsoft applications.

Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to develop innovative and creative solutions.

Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills through the provision of reports, presentations to groups etc.

Demonstrate strong organisational skills.

** Please note Essential Criteria 5 – 8 will be assessed at interview only