Career Guidance Counsellor

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Career Guidance Counsellor – Part Time, Permanent

Please note: This position does not offer sponsorship for overseas applicants and requires a valid Employment Permit. Applicants without the relevant experience will not be considered.

About the Role

At Portobello Institute, we believe in the power of education to change lives. As our "in-house" Career Guidance Counsellor, you will guide prospective students in identifying meaningful, realistic career pathways and the programmes that will help them achieve them.

You will provide structured, personalised consultations, exploring each individual’s background, motivations, ambitions, and readiness. Through honest and informed guidance, you will support prospective students to make confident, well‑aligned decisions about their education — ensuring the right person is on the right course.

You will will also provide ongoing career guidance to current students, particularly in relation to postgraduate study and employment outcomes. Working collaboratively with admissions and student support teams, you will support our current students in identifying and planning next steps beyond their programme and deliver workshops or group sessions on career planning, CV development, and further study opportunities. This role contributes to a seamless and student-centred experience from enquiry through to career progression.

This is a relationship-driven role with a strong advisory focus. You will provide guidance and work closely with our external partnerships manager, providing insights and building rapport to support pathway partnerships among schools and ETBs. You will nurture students and their parents to make the right choice, ensuring clarity, confidence, and a positive admissions experience.

What You Will Do

Career Guidance

• Deliver structured, consultative conversations exploring motivations, goals, and career ambitions.
• Match student pathways with suitable programmes across our portfolios.
• Provide clear guidance on qualification routes, progression opportunities, and professional outcomes.
• Support prospective students and their parents in overcoming uncertainty or decision barriers.

Student Engagement & Enrolment Support

• Build rapport, trust, and confidence through honest, student‑centred guidance.
• Ensure students fully understand programme expectations, career outcomes and professional body registration processes.
• Communicate proactively through calls, email, virtual and in-person meetings.
• Support “right fit” admissions to reduce misaligned enrolments.

Collaboration, Internal & External Partnerships

Work closely with:

• Admissions Manager – support career path consultants with students and parents requiring additional guidance and advice.
• Student Support Teams including Academic Programme Leads & Wellbeing Officer – support current students with career progression pathways
• Marketing Team – sector insights, and content that supports guidance on career pathways.
• External Partnerships - collaborate with our external partnerships manager on building rapport and pathway relationships with key schools and ETBs.

CRM, Administration & Quality

• Maintain high‑quality, accurate records of consultations, motivations, and recommended pathways.
• Document all interactions and updates within the CRM.
• Provide clear communication and ensure compliance with data protection and confidentiality standards.

The Person

You are someone who genuinely enjoys understanding people — their stories, motivations, and ambitions. You ask thoughtful questions, listen deeply, and provide grounded, honest guidance.

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Have experience in career guidance in education‑focused environments.
• Are strong at active listening, structured questioning, and building trust.
• Are empathetic, curious, and comfortable discussing career ambitions with diverse individuals.
• Communicate with clarity, sincerity, and integrity.
• Are resilient, organised, and able to manage multiple enquiries simultaneously.
• Believe in education and want to make a meaningful impact.

About Portobello Institute

Portobello Institute is an Independent Institute delivering focused qualifications and clear career pathways with flexible learning, expert guidance and the support to help students start, change or advance their careers. Our mission is to make education accessible, personalised, and meaningful. We pride ourselves on knowing every student — and every team member — by name and by ambition.

Our culture is collaborative, agile, values‑driven, and ambitious. We believe the impossible is possible. If you are passionate about helping people change their lives through education, you will thrive here.

Required to have:

• Relevant qualification in career guidance or education.
• 3-5 years experience supporting individuals make education or career decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Familiarity with HubSpot or similar CRM systems.
• Ability to work independently in a part-time capacity.

How to Apply

If you believe in the power of education, enjoy helping people identify their future paths, and resonate with the idea of supporting the ideal of right person on the right course, we would love to hear from you.

Salary & Bonus Information

• Up to €48,000 pro-rata per annum depending on relevant experience.
• Two - three days per week

We believe that diverse teams help build the best work environments. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to €48,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

• This role requires proactive engagement, including outbound calls and meaningful conversations with prospective students and/or their parents. Are you comfortable with this? Please provide details.
• When are you available to start?
• Have you worked in an educational environment, for 3-5 years, where you were responsible for offering guidance and advice on career pathways? Please provide details.

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dublin, County Dublin