Job Description

Department: Employability and Entrepreneurship
Location: Leeds (On-site)
Type of Contract: Permanent
GBS is a higher education provider offering a range of sector-relevant courses across ten campuses in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. Working in partnership with several of the UK's leading higher education providers, we deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in finance, accounting, business, construction, tourism, healthcare, and more.
Our Vision: Changing lives through education.
What We Do: The Employability and Entrepreneurship Department at GBS is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers and business ventures. It offers tailored one-to-one guidance, a dynamic online Careers Hub via Handshake, and a structured Employability Award that builds critical job-seeking skills through Bronze to Platinum levels. Students gain practical experience in CV building, networking, and real job applications, including tools like ChatGPT.
The role:
The Careers Officer will play a key a role in supporting students and participants to achieve sustainable employment. Through personalised guidance and proactive engagement, you will establish strong relationships with participants, help them overcome employment barriers, and support them in securing meaningful career opportunities. This role is vital to enhancing employability outcomes and ensuring participants are well-equipped for their professional journeys.
Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
What the role involves:
Participant Engagement and Support

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with participants, fostering trust and open communication.
• Provide tailored advice and support, empowering participants to navigate their career paths effectively.

Career Planning

• Partner with participants to co-create comprehensive action plans that identify suitable career opportunities aligned with their skills and aspirations.
• Monitor progress and update actions plans as needed to reflect evolving goals and circumstances.

Job Search Support

• Provide proactive job search guidance, helping participants register on relevant job boards and platforms.
• Ensure participants have optimised digital profiles that are current and visible to employers.

Application Support

• Collaborate with participants to create professional, up-to-date CVs, supporting statements, and tailored covering letters for each application.
• Facilitate sessions to improve application and interview skills.

Reporting and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of participant progress, achievements, and challenges.
• Contribute to regular reports on participant outcomes and programme effectiveness.

What Experience/Skills are required:
Essential:

• High degree of working flexibility is required for some evening and weekend working.

• A degree in a relevant field, such as Careers Guidance, Business, Human Resources or Education (or equivalent experience)
• Proven experience in careers guidance, employability coaching, or a related field.
• Demonstrable success in supporting individuals to overcome barriers and achieve employment.
• Experience working with diverse groups, including mature students and individuals from widening participation backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with participants.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a large caseload effectively.
• Proficiency in job search platforms, digital tools, and office software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible and adaptable, willing to work across campuses and occasionally during evenings or weekends as required.

Desirable:

• A recognised careers or employability-related qualification is desirable.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
• 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days
• Workplace pension scheme
• Tuition reimbursement for career development courses
• Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more
• Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more
• Reward and recognition programme
• 500 award employee referral scheme
• Discretionary annual performance bonus

I will be starting a Masters in Careers and Employability Guidance in January, and this has been supported by my manager who allows me to manage my time and diary how best works for me. We are also given constant upskilling opportunities and encouraged to attend both internal and external learning and development events. -- Kira McCormack (Professional Services Employee)
GBS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We take our core values seriously and work hard to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed.
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