The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
We’re looking for a passionate and driven Careers Coach to join our Education Services team, supporting young people to achieve positive futures.
In this rewarding role, you’ll provide high quality, impartial careers advice and guidance to young people aged 16–18 helping them move into education, employment or training. You’ll take a trauma-informed, person centred approach, working closely with young people and their families to build confidence, aspirations and career management skills.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
You’ll play a key role in supporting young people to overcome barriers and progress into positive destinations. Working with a diverse caseload, you’ll deliver tailored, outcomes-focused support and build strong relationships that empower young people to succeed.
In this role you will:
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Manage a caseload of young people who are NEET or at risk, ensuring progress is tracked and supported
- Deliver impartial careers information, advice and guidance to support informed decision-making
- Build trusted relationships, particularly with young people facing complex or multiple barriers
- Develop and review SMART action plans to support progression and long-term outcomes
- Deliver engaging 1:1 and group sessions using a variety of approaches
- Work collaboratively with families, schools, colleges and partner agencies
- Monitor outcomes and maintain accurate, high-quality case records
- Use labour market knowledge to guide young people into realistic and sustainable pathways
- Act as an advocate, supporting young people to access opportunities and services
- Deliver services across various locations in Reading, including schools and community-based settings such as Family Hubs.
About you
We are seeking a highly experienced practitioner with a strong track record of supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes.
You’ll be confident working both independently and as part of a wider multi-agency team, with the ability to adapt your approach to meet individual needs.
You will bring:
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Experience of working with young people, particularly those who may be vulnerable or at risk of disengagement
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and motivate others
- Experience delivering careers information, advice and guidance in a relevant setting
- The ability to manage a caseload effectively and prioritise competing demands
- A proactive, organised approach with strong attention to detail
You’ll also demonstrate:
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A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
- An understanding of barriers faced by groups such as NEET young people, those with SEND or care experience
- The ability to work collaboratively with partners to achieve positive outcomes
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
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Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact
[email protected]
Closing Date:Sunday 5th July 2026
Interview Date: Monday 20th or Tuesday 21st July 2026
Interview Process: To be confirmed
