Career Guidance Support Officer

The Coaching & Development Department at places each individual’s needs, aspirations, and circumstances at the heart of informed decision-making through high-quality, person-centred careers Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), career coaching, and training. The Department enhances employability and personal skills, helping individuals prepare for meaningful next steps following retirement from policing. The Career Guidance Support Officer will be the first point of contact in the Coaching & Development service, providing comprehensive initial assessment to clients transitioning from policing.

The postholder will be responsible for the clients’ first point of contact to the service and initial assessments; and using the designated client management system, will refer individuals to appropriate specialist services within the team (Career Counselling, Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG), or Coaching). The postholder will also manage a caseload of clients seeking training support bursaries, providing guidance in line with eligibility criteria, funding guidance, and service procedures.

The role involves working closely with the service’s Administrative Team and engaging in multidisciplinary working with other departments to support effective referral pathways. The postholder will undertake a range of administrative duties, including maintaining accurate confidential client records; assist with reporting; administering training bursaries, processing course bookings, and managing waiting lists, in line with organisational policies and procedures. Support the planning, delivery and evaluation of workshops tailored to the policing community.

• Act as the first point of contact for clients accessing the Coaching & Development service, responding to enquiries professionally and confidentially.
• Conduct initial client assessments to identify needs, goals, barriers and appropriate next steps.
• Gather and record relevant client information to support onward guidance or referral.
• Support the team delivery of professional, impartial Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) by providing accurate, up-to-date information on career options, training, funding and employability, and by signposting clients.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries between information, advice and guidance in line with professional standards.
• To contribute to the knowledge and skills base within the team by maintaining an active awareness of current developments in career development and by implementing the knowledge and skills acquired.
• Provide administrative support to the careers team, including maintaining client records, booking appointments and managing correspondence.
• Collaborate with the services administration team to managing training bursaries, course bookings and waiting lists, ensuring accurate records and timely communication.
• To use the current client management system to improve service recording and evidence gathering, and to support the collection, monitoring, and reporting of data for service performance and quality assurance.
• Collaborate effectively across multiple departments to ensure effective and timely client referrals.
• Assist with the planning, preparation and delivery of career-related workshops, training and group sessions.
• Support workshop facilitation through logistics, materials preparation, registrations and client engagement.
• Collect feedback and contribute to evaluation and continuous service improvement.
• Demonstrate awareness of the unique challenges faced by clients during mid-life career transitions and the move into active retirement.
• Demonstrate awareness of the unique challenges faced by police officers transitioning into civilian life in Northern Ireland.
• Work collaboratively with team, managers and external partners and stakeholders to ensure a smooth client journey.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with data protection and safeguarding requirements.
• Follow organisational policies, quality standards and best practice within the career guidance sector.
• Participate in regular industry Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and…