A Student Support Officer (SSO) is a full-time, non-teaching, school-based staff member with experience in working with young people to improve their wellbeing and mental health.
The SSOs work with secondary school-aged students across school settings to enhance the wellbeing and learning outcomes of students. They achieve this by:
- Supporting the implementation of the school’s whole-of-school approach to wellbeing
- Assisting students to develop social and emotional skills
- Using targeted strengths-based programs and strategies that build resilience, coping skills and positive relationships
- Working in partnership with the school’s wellbeing team and the school counselling service.
- Providing targeted wellbeing support for students who are experiencing challenges at school or home, through small groups sessions or individual support.
- Working collaboratively with external and other government agencies, creating referral pathways for students and families to access the support needed.
The SSO can provide targeted wellbeing support for students who are experiencing challenges at school or home, through small groups sessions or individual support.
SSOs have a pivotal role in working collaboratively with external and other government agencies, creating referral pathways for students and families to access support needed.