Careers Adviser

Careers Adviser

Birmingham (school based roles)
Flexible working: Term-time only | Part-time | Freelance opportunities available

We are looking for passionate and dedicated Careers Advisers to join our growing team delivering high quality careers information, advice and guidance (IAG) in schools across Birmingham.

This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), supporting them to explore their future pathways, build confidence, and make informed choices about education, training, and employment. We welcome applicants with experience of working with SEND, and are equally committed to developing colleagues in this area through training, support, and ongoing professional development.

You’ll deliver tailored information, advice and guidance sessions in the school setting, working both one to one and with groups. You will adopt a person centred and inclusive approach, co‑producing career plans with young people and, where appropriate, their families and carers. You will be supported to build your knowledge of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and how to align guidance with identified outcomes to support preparation for adulthood.

Working closely with SENCOs, teachers, parents/carers, and external partners, you will help create joined-up support that enables young people to access opportunities, overcome barriers, and achieve meaningful progression outcomes. You will be encouraged and supported to develop your skills in adapting communication and delivery styles to meet a wide range of needs and abilities, ensuring every young person can fully engage and make informed choices about their future.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Delivering one to one careers guidance to students
• Helping young people develop clear, realistic plans for their future so they can move into suitable education or career pathways and sustain their success long-term
• Delivering engaging group sessions and workshops on topics such as:
  • Career pathways and options
  • Employability skills
  • Labour market insight
  • Post-16 and post-18 opportunities
• Working collaboratively with school staff, SENCOs, parents/carers, and external partners
• Managing a caseload of students and tracking progress and outcomes
• Supporting students with additional needs, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), with training and support provided to build your expertise
• Helping meet careers guidance standards in schools and reducing the number of young people who end up not in education, work, or training.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who are:

• Level 6 qualified Careers Advisers (or equivalent)
• Or Level 4 qualified, with a commitment to working towards Level 6

You’ll also bring:

• Experience working with young people (schools, colleges, youth work, or similar settings)
• Strong communication and relationship building skills
• The ability to manage your own workload and deliver high quality guidance
• A passion for supporting young people to succeed
• An interest in inclusive practice and a willingness to develop your knowledge and confidence in supporting young people with SEND (full training and development provided)

Why Join Us?

• We actively support Level 4 advisers to achieve a fully funded Level 6 qualification, with structured mentoring and clear progression opportunities
• We offer highly flexible working — ideal for portfolio careers, returners, or professionals balancing other commitments (1–3 days per week, term-time only options, and opportunities to work across multiple schools)
• Structured mentoring and supervision from experienced Level 6 advisers
• Clear development pathways, including specialist areas such as SEND, Gatsby Benchmarks, and employer engagement
• Ongoing training to build your confidence and capability in inclusive practice, including working with EHCPs and co-producing plans with young people and families
• Be part of a supportive network of Careers Advisers, sharing best practice and resources
• Work within Shaw Trust, a leading organisation with a strong reputation for social impact
• Contribute to meaningful work that changes young people’s futures

About Shaw Trust

Shaw Trust is a mission-driven organisation helping people achieve their potential. As part of our careers team, you’ll contribute to improving life chances for young people while benefiting from being part of a national, purpose-led organisation committed to inclusion, innovation, and impact.

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