Career & Work Experience Lead and DSL (76bc)

Keyham Lodge School; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A special education institution in the East Midlands is seeking a Careers & Work Experience Lead to shape the all-through careers program and lead safeguarding efforts. This role requires excellent communication and collaboration skills, along with a Level 6 qualification in Careers Guidance. The school is dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for students with diverse backgrounds and needs. The position offers opportunities for professional development and aims to make a real difference in students' lives.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Defined benefit pension scheme

Free childcare

Cycle-to-work scheme

Gym discounts

Dental support

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in careers/employability organizations, ideally with school experience.
• Excellent relationship-builder collaborating across teams.

Responsibilities

• Shape the careers program and lead safeguarding across the school.
• Deliver guidance and presentations to students.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Empathy

Energy

Resilience

Education

Level 6 qualification in Careers Guidance

Job description

Salary: Grade 10 Pay Point 23-26 (Approximate starting salary of £25,617)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 31.25 hours week per year and 39 weeks per year. (Term Time at 38 weeks, plus INSET days and additional one week)

Keyham Lodge School Overview

We’re searching for an inspiring Careers & Work Experience Lead who will also serve as our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). This pivotal role shapes our all-through careers programme, opens doors to meaningful experiences with local employers, and leads best-practice safeguarding across the school.

Why Choose Keyham Lodge School?

Keyham Lodge is a vibrant and diverse special school for KS3 and KS4 students, welcoming both girls and boys. Every student has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and many have experienced disrupted education before joining us. We are relentless in removing barriers to learning, closing attainment gaps, and providing an inclusive, child-centred, learning-focused environment. Our aim is to ensure the academic, personal and social development of all students so they can fulfil their potential in school and in the wider community.

We celebrate individual talents and believe education extends beyond the core curriculum and the classroom. Our curriculum is adapted to prepare students for their next stage, whether in further education or the workplace. Our diverse intake—from a wide range of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds—enriches our unique values and ethos and strengthens our commitment to belonging and ambition for every child.

"The school continues to train teachers to use the most effective teaching methods. This means staff are extremely knowledgeable about the special educational needs of pupils and how to adapt their teaching to meet these needs." – OFSTED

Apply now and help us shape the future of SEMH education in Leicestershire.

What you will bring

A relationship-builder and an excellent communicator who collaborates confidently across teaching and non-teaching teams. You’re calm under pressure, resilient and bring energy, empathy and a sense of humour. You plan, deliver and evaluate programmes, maintain confidentiality, and keep meticulous records.

Qualifications

• Level 6 qualification in Careers Guidance (or degree-level education).
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in careers / employability organisations, including delivering guidance and presentations, interviewing and stakeholder engagement—ideally with school-based experience.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.

You may be required to attend training courses, conferences and seminars as part of your ongoing professional development and the school’s needs.

Responsibilities may vary over time without changing the overall character or level of the role.

Why Join Us?

• Professional Growth & Support
  • Ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
  • Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
  • Highly committed and motivated team.
  • A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
  • An established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues.
• Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits
  • Flexible working options.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
  • Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Additional Perks
  • Free childcare.
  • Free parking.
  • Cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Gym discounts.
  • Eyecare vouchers.
  • Dental support.
  • Retail discounts.
  • Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact the school office.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents.

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

Inclusion Matters

Discovery Schools Academies Trust promotes the employment of disabled people and will make reasonable adjustments to the role where appropriate.

AI

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.

Apply Now!

If you are ready to make a difference in children’s lives, apply today!