Careers Consultant (FTC 24 months)

at  Heriot Watt University

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 ( £36,023 - £45,585)
FTE and working pattern: Full time 35 hours per week, Fixed term contract for 24 months

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made:

Essential

• Educated to first degree level or equivalent (see link for details) AND a Postgraduate professional careers guidance qualification or nationally recognised equivalent (i.e. Diploma / Qualification in Careers Guidance, NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance)
• Experience of working in careers guidance within a Higher Education institution
• Minimum of 3 years proven relevant experience of providing effective careers guidance services with varied individuals and client groups, across a range of settings and ability to empathise with and understand the needs of users from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Up to date knowledge of theories underpinning the practice of careers education, information, advice and guidance/coaching, particularly in relation to graduate provision
• Strong IT skills and the ability to research, analyse and present complex information effectively with good attention to detail
• Understanding of graduate career paths and the UK graduate recruitment market, including the marketing, assessment and selection processes used by employers
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively
• Strong client focus and commitment to delivering a high-quality service
• Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately with a focus on delivering results in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment
• Experience of working closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation
• High level organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Desirable

• Experiencing of developing and using online resources to support career development, including social media
• Sound knowledge of the Higher Education sector and current issues surrounding employability

Special Factors (relevant to specific role)

• Requirement to work at weekends or out of hours

Through CPD maintain an in-depth current knowledge of career options, routes, labour market trends and employers as relevant to all areas of the University

• ‘s curriculum. Work proactively with academic staff in Schools in order to develop specific knowledge to support students and graduates of particular disciplines.
• Use information technology to its full potential in delivering, developing and supporting service provision, communicating about the Careers Service, and engaging both staff and students with the work of the service.
• Gather, analyse and use user feedback evidence to make improvements the service
• Contribute as appropriate to projects across the university, working groups or initiatives which support the achievement of strategic and operational objectives, and the enhancement of the student experience.
• Contribute to the maintenance of agreed quality standards and external quality accreditation through on-going review of practices, contributions to the assessment process and the delivery of high quality, measurable outcomes

PURPOSE OF ROLE

To contribute to the implementation of the University’s strategic aims by providing a range of professional career education and guidance services to client groups of undergraduate and postgraduate students, online learners and graduates to enhance their employability. To work in close collaboration with senior school staff, academic colleagues, other Career Consultants, members of the Employer Engagement team, alumni team and employers to support students to develop their career potential. To proactively develop the service to meet client need under the guidance of the Head of Careers and Graduate Futures and contribute to the positive impact of the service at school and university level.

SUMMARY OF KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide high quality careers information, advice, guidance (CIAG) and coaching to students and graduates to help them fulfil their career potential, operating within the agreed careers guidance model. This will take account of best practice across the sector, and include a range of different approaches, such as one-to-one sessions, e-guidance, group teaching through career education seminars and group work, coaching and mentoring, working with a wide range of students, including international students and those withdrawing early.
• Deliver central and School based careers education sessions to a wide range of students and graduates.

Work proactively in support of the Service

• ‘s Employer Engagement Strategy. Represent the University at events such as careers fairs and other events, local, national and international employer networks, gather and analyse high quality labour market intelligence and collaborate with employers in activities such as delivery of career education, career guidance and employability skills.

Through CPD maintain an in-depth current knowledge of career options, routes, labour market trends and employers as relevant to all areas of the University

• ‘s curriculum. Work proactively with academic staff in Schools in order to develop specific knowledge to support students and graduates of particular disciplines.
• Use information technology to its full potential in delivering, developing and supporting service provision, communicating about the Careers Service, and engaging both staff and students with the work of the service.
• Gather, analyse and use user feedback evidence to make improvements the service
• Contribute as appropriate to projects across the university, working groups or initiatives which support the achievement of strategic and operational objectives, and the enhancement of the student experience.
• Contribute to the maintenance of agreed quality standards and external quality accreditation through on-going review of practices, contributions to the assessment process and the delivery of high quality, measurable outcomes.

Proactively contribute to Careers and Graduate Futures strategic planning and innovative development to ensure the Service

• ‘s key objectives are achieved
• Maintain appropriate statistical records to contribute to the development of effective management information relevant to the work of the service
• Maintain a wide and appropriate external network with agencies such as the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) and Skills Development Scotland, and other tertiary- education sector Careers Services, to keep up to date with subject specific and sector developments and good practice and access advice on emerging challenges
• Engage in continuous development of professional practice and engage in developmental activities as guided by the Head of Careers and Graduate Futures, to maintain and improve knowledge and skills as required within a challenging and ever-changing environment.
• Undertake other duties as appropriate to the grade and content of the post, as directed by the Head of Careers and Graduate Futures. This list of duties is therefore not exhaustive.