The NSW Department of Education provides, funds and regulates education services for NSW students from early childhood to secondary school, delivering world-class education through its public schools and providing funding support to non-government schools. We employ, develop and support teachers, leaders and other staff to deliver the best outcomes for students and to advance the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

About the Role

Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified individuals for a temporary 2 days per week (0.4) position as a Student Support Officer at Smith’s Hill High School commencing 30th January, 2024.

Student Support Officers work within the school community to enhance student wellbeing and learning outcomes in partnership with the wellbeing team and the school counselling service. Student Support Officers provide individual and targeted wellbeing support and whole of school wellbeing initiatives and programs that are evidence-based. They have a pivotal role in working collaboratively with external agencies and creating referral pathways for students and families to child and family support agencies.

Role criteria

• Improve the wellbeing, resilience and pro-social behaviours of students by working in partnership with the Wellbeing Team and school counselling service to prioritise and deliver individual, small group and whole school evidence-based programs and strategies 
• Enhance student learning and wellbeing outcomes by identifying and establishing support networks for students with staff, the school community and locally based government services and community agencies 
• Support transition between schools and post school enrolments by working with transition coordinators and external providers. 
• Facilitate student referrals to external providers by establishing and maintaining referral pathways with appropriate local services 
• Support data collection processes to evaluate and feedback report on school- based wellbeing programs and strategies 
• Support the implementation of departmental DOE, school and individual student and student wellbeing priorities, whole-school wellbeing programs and build positive community relationships 

Essential Requirements

• A completed diploma or higher qualification in social work, youth work, welfare or related discipline.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the Department’s Aboriginal education policies.
• Valid and current Working With Children Check (WWCC).

Special Notes

About the NSW Department of Education

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ([email protected]) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please email the following in either Word or PDF format to [email protected]:

1. A cover letter (max 2 pages)

• demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and professional experience meet the focus capabilities as outlined in the role description

2. A target question response (maximum 300 words per target question)

• answering the two targeted questions below

3. A current resume (max 2 pages)

• including name, phone number/s and email for two professional referees

4. Copies of your qualifications and/or academic transcripts 

If you are successfully progressed to interview, you will be required to provide

1. Proof of Identity information
2. Informed Consent Form
3. Declaration for child-related work

Targeted Question 1
The role of a Student Support Officer involves working with individuals and groups of students from diverse backgrounds and with a range of learning and support needs. Please outline a time you had to support a young person with additional learning and wellbeing needs to achieve a common goal. (300 words maximum).

Targeted Question 2
Working with young people to achieve positive outcomes requires strengths and skills across personal, interpersonal and professional domains.  Outline how you have used these skills in your professional role supporting the wellbeing of one or more young people (300 words maximum).