Wellbeing Officer

About us

North Academy is a small independent special assistance school located in West Wallsend, supporting young people in years 9–12.

We work with youth who may have disengaged from school, experience school refusal, live with mental health needs, face social or emotional challenges, or simply find that mainstream education isn't the right fit.

We offer flexible attendance, small classes, shorter days, and specialised programs. We tailor learning to each student's needs. Relationships and wellbeing come first in every decision and every classroom.

The role

The Wellbeing Officer provides direct support to students, assists in implementing wellbeing initiatives, and contributes to a positive, trauma-informed school culture aligned with the North Education Model.

About you

• Compassionate and empathetic, with a genuine commitment to supporting student wellbeing
• Calm and patient under pressure, able to manage challenging situations effectively
• Collaborative team player, supporting both students and staff
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong emotional resilience

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Wellbeing Support

• Understand and comply with legislation and guidelines in accordance with professional and ethical standards of practice.
• Build positive relationships with students to support their emotional, social, and behavioural development.
• Maintain and support wellbeing-related routines to ensure consistency and predictability for students.
• Create and implement student Wellbeing Plans under the guidance of the Wellbeing Coordinator and in collaboration with teachers and the wider team.
• Create and implement student Risk Assessments under the guidance of the Wellbeing Coordinator and in collaboration with teachers and the wider team.
• Complete student observations to monitor behaviour, engagement, and wellbeing, and document findings accurately.
• Observe and report wellbeing concerns or emerging issues to the Wellbeing Coordinator and/or School Leadership.
• Assist in the preparation, delivery, and follow-up of student wellbeing and behaviour support interventions.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality and ensure the role meets duty of care obligations.
• Manage critical incidents on site, including immediate risk assessments, contacting emergency services, and communicating with parents/carers as necessary, in line with the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) system and North Academy policy.

Staff Collaboration and Support

• Work closely with the Wellbeing Coordinator, teaching staff, and support staff to implement wellbeing strategies consistently across the school.
• Communicate relevant student wellbeing information and progress to staff in a timely and professional manner, respecting confidentiality.
• Assist teachers in understanding and responding to the wellbeing needs of students, including supporting adjustments in learning.
• Participate in staff meetings, Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings, and case conferences to contribute to a cohesive approach to student wellbeing.
• Support the Wellbeing Coordinator in delivering professional development, briefings, or guidance on wellbeing initiatives when required.
• Collaborate with colleagues to foster a positive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based school culture.
• Model positive behaviour, empathy, and professional boundaries in all interactions with students and staff.

Wellbeing Programs

• Assist the Wellbeing Coordinator in the planning, coordination, and delivery of whole-school wellbeing programs and initiatives.
• Help implement individualised programs or activities to meet specific student wellbeing needs.
• Assist in the facilitation of wellbeing events within the school and community.
• Support students through one-on-one and small-group interventions that promote resilience, self-regulation, and personal growth.

Operational Support

• Assist the Wellbeing Coordinator with attendance monitoring, student files, and record-keeping in TASS.
• Support enrolment and transition processes through student and family engagement.
• Ensure compliance with child protection, privacy, and duty of care requirements.

NCCD and Student Adjustments

• Support the collection and documentation of student adjustment evidence for the National Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) process under guidance from the Wellbeing Coordinator.
• Maintain accurate records of wellbeing supports provided to students.
• Assist teachers in implementing adjustments as outlined in student IEPs.

Administration, Reporting, and Development

• Write accurate case notes, meeting minutes, and student plans in line with the Principal's expectations.
• Complete accurate Pastoral Care entries in TASS.
• Ensure all administration tasks are completed in a timely manner and stored appropriately on student files.
• Engage in Employee Supervision with the Wellbeing Coordinator.
• Actively communicate with student parents/carers and the wider school community in a positive way.
• Maintain all system management tools, including SharePoint, TASS, Monday and Outlook/Teams.
• Attend all allocated professional development sessions.
• Maintain skills, competencies, and knowledge in a self-directed context to stay abreast of current issues, trends, and best practices.
• Ensure that all North Academy policies and procedures are understood and followed.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and an up-to-date resume. Your cover letter must address the essential criteria for the role.

What is on offer?

• Full time employment - 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Ability to salary package due to our not-for-profit status.
• EAP services.
• Professional development in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and other trauma related training.