W Sso

**Position Information**:
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**

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.

**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).

**Talent Pool**

**Special Notes**:
**About the NSW Department of Education**

**Additional School Information (Optional)**
West Wallsend High School is a proudly comprehensive 7-12 community-focused school, which supports and encourages students to achieve their full potential in an inclusive and caring environment based on the core values of respect, responsibility and excellence. The school is located on the land of the Pambalong of Awabakal Country on the western side of Newcastle as part of the Lake Macquarie North principal network and has an enrolment of almost 700 students. Students come from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds with 16% of students identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The school has seven inclusive education classes.

West Wallsend High School has a tradition of strong parent and community involvement working together with the P&C and the Kumaridha AECG. We foster proud connections to four partner primary schools as part of the Sugarloaf Community of Schools as well as extensive links to the wider West Wallsend community, the University of Newcastle, Wollotuka Institute and other cultural, vocational and community organisations.

**How to Apply**
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 5 pages)

4. **Copies of your qualifications and/or academic transcripts**

If you are successfully progressed to interview, you will be required to provide
- Proof of Identity information
- Informed Consent Form
- 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. Provide an example where you have effectively supported the wellbeing and mental health of a young person or group? What was your role and what was the outcome? (300 words maximum).

**Targeted Question 2**
Please provide an example of your success working both as part of a team and as an individual to contribute to the work of the team. In your response, outline the key challenges faced and how you worked with the team to overcome these challenges. (300 words maximum).