Job Title: Information, Advice & Guidance Assistants
Location: Isle of Wight Youth Trust, Newport and across the Isle of Wight community
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £26,227
Contract: Fixed term initially until 31 January 2028
Applications close: 12pm on Wednesday 1st July 2026
Assessment Morning: Monday 13th July 2026 (Newport)
Final interviews: Tuesday 14th July 2026 (via Microsoft Teams)
Are you passionate about helping young people make informed choices and move forward positively in education, training, employment and life? The Isle of Wight Youth Trust is recruiting three Information, Advice and Guidance assistants to join our Youth Hub, supporting young people aged 16–25 across the Island. While each role has its own focus, all three are grounded in high quality, person-centred IAG and work together as one connected, youth-centred team. Therefore we are recruiting for them through a single process, and you are welcome to express an interest in more than one role.
The Roles
Employment Assistant (Connect to Work) – a case holding role supporting young adults with health conditions, disabilities or complex barriers to move into and sustain meaningful paid employment. Using evidence based supported employment approaches, you will provide intensive, personalised support from first engagement through to job matching, employer engagement and in work support.
Work Placement Assistant (ADAPT) – a case holding role providing structured, early-intervention IAG and practical support to young people who are not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) or at risk of becoming NEET. You will build confidence, motivation and employability while addressing wider barriers such as wellbeing, stability and life skills, developing clear pathways into education, training or employment.
IAG Assistant (Prudence Trust) – a blend of low level case loading and single interaction work, providing broad, impartial IAG across education, wellbeing, independence and future pathways. You will also drive the continual improvement of the Youth Hub’s digital IAG offer, extending support beyond face-to-face settings.
Key Responsibilities
Across all three roles, you will:
- Build trusting, supportive relationships with young people aged 16–25
- Provide person-centred information, advice and guidance tailored to individual needs, strengths and aspirations
- Develop personalised action plans and support young people to overcome barriers to progression
- Deliver employability support including CV preparation, job applications and interview skills
- Work proactively with local employers, training providers and partner agencies to open up opportunities
- Support access to training, education, volunteering and work experience
- Maintain accurate records and track progress and outcomes using internal systems
- Work collaboratively with Youth Hub colleagues, DWP Work Coaches and community organisations to provide a seamless, joined-up service.
About You
We are looking for people who have / are:
- A minimum of one year’s experience in supporting young people (under 25) with complex needs and barriers to employment, education and/or training
- Experience of working with young people aged 16–25 in an advisory, mentoring, coaching or support capacity
- A strong communicator with excellent listening skills
- Empathetic, approachable and non-judgemental
- Passionate about supporting young people to achieve their goals
- Confident working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds
- Motivated, organised and able to manage their own workload
- Comfortable using IT systems and maintaining accurate records
- Committed to helping young people progress into education, training or sustainable employment.
Experience of supported employment approaches, welfare to work programmes or developing digital content and resources would be highly beneficial.
About Us and Why Join Us
The Isle of Wight Youth Trust is the Island’s leading charity dedicated to the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. For over 40 years, we have provided free, confidential support to young people aged 5 to 25, offering counselling, mental health services, and a wide range of early intervention and prevention programmes. We are proud to be deeply rooted in the Island community, working in schools, community settings, and our dedicated Newport hub, and we are driven by a genuine belief that every young person deserves to thrive. Joining the IOWYT means becoming part of a passionate, values-led team where the work you do every day makes a tangible difference to young lives.
In addition to the satisfaction of working for a charity that genuinely changes young lives, we offer a competitive package of rewards and benefits, including:
- People’s Pension scheme
- Sovereign Healthcare Plan
- 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure
- A dedicated wellbeing day each year
- Flexible working arrangements
- Employee Assistance Programme
- A variety of discounts
- Training and development opportunities
Additional Information
A Full UK driving licence and DBS enhanced check (performed upon appointment) are requirements of the role.
The Youth Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone we support.
Our Selection Process
We want to get to know you properly and give you a real feel for us too. Around ten shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment morning at our Newport hub on Monday 13th July, taking part in a mix of group and individual activities. If you’re successful at this stage, you’ll be invited to a short, focused interview via Microsoft Teams the following morning, Tuesday 14th July. Throughout the process you’ll meet Matthew Hall, our 16–25 Lead and Zoe Irvine, our People & Development Co-ordinator.
Interested?
If you are passionate about helping young people move forward in their lives and want to be part of a team making a real difference in the community, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our recruitment portal to view the full job description and person specification and apply, submitting both your CV and a full covering letter. It is essential that you outline how you meet the requirements of the post against the person specification in your covering letter and tell us which of the three roles you are interested in. You may express an interest in more than one. Applications not made via the Youth Trust recruitment portal, or incorrectly submitted, will not be considered. If you have any issues with uploading your documents or would like an informal conversation about the roles, please contact recruitment@iowyouthtrust.co.uk
We encourage applications from people who identify as part of marginalised communities or with experience of living with poor mental health.
Apply here