Why work with us
Centennial Park School is a School for Specific Purpose (SSP) that caters for 56 students in Years 7-12. We are a specialised school for students with emotional disturbance/complex mental health and service a broad range of socioeconomic groups. We have a strong focus on equity and providing a flexible, highly innovative adjusted curriculum so that all students can achieve their academic best. Most importantly we are a very friendly school with a focus on being kind.
About the role
Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified individuals who are interested in a full-time temporary position as a Student Support Officer for up to three years.
Student Support Officers work within the school community to enhance transition pathways, student wellbeing and learning outcomes in partnership with the executive team, school counsellor, external agencies, external health providers and the school’s allied health staff. Student Support Officers provide individual and targeted transition and wellbeing support. They also implement 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
- Provide individualised and flexible transition support for students and their families
- Support to improve the wellbeing, resilience and pro-social behaviours of students by prioritising and delivering individual evidence-based strategies
- Working in partnership with the wellbeing team and the school counselling service to support student mental health and wellbeing
- Adhering to and respecting student privacy; providing a safe space for students
- Gather data and feedback to support the evaluation of programs, process and outcomes
- Supporting students and their families to identify and access external services that meet their needs. Facilitate student referrals to external providers by establishing and maintaining referral pathways with appropriate local services
- Networking in the community; develop and maintain positive working relationships to support referral pathways
- Support whole-of-school wellbeing initiatives and programs that are evidence-based
Who can apply
Essential Requirements
- A completed diploma or higher qualification in social work, youth work, welfare or related discipline.
- Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the department’s Partnership Agreement with the MNSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.
- Valid and current Working With Children Check (WWCC).
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 include in your application:
1. A cover letter (max 2 pages)
2. Responses to the two targeted questions below: (maximum 300 words per target question)
3. A current resume (max 5 pages)
- including two professional referees
Targeted Question 1
The role of an SSO involves working with individuals/groups of students from diverse backgrounds and with a range of learning & support needs. Outline a time you have supported a young person through a complex transition and how you applied your skills as a professional to support their transition goals.
Targeted Question 2
The role of an SSO involves working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Please provide an example of your success working both as part of a team and as an individual to ensure the best outcomes for the wellbeing of a young person. In your response, outline the key challenges faced and how you worked with the team to overcome these challenges.