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 must be attached along with your application
• Knowledge of and commitment to the Department’s Aboriginal education policies
• Valid and current Working With Children Check (WWCC).
Click here for the role description
Talent Pool
A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process. A talent pool is a group of candidates who have undergone an assessment process and have been identified as suitable for this role or similar roles for a period of 18 months. Being part of a talent pool means that you may be considered for ongoing or temporary employment for a range of similar roles. This offers exciting opportunities for you to gain a wide range of experiences to build your public service career.
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 (dandi@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion
Additional Information
Rutherford Technology High School was established in 1985 as a comprehensive, co-educational secondary school and is now a very large regional high school catering for a diverse community of learners. The school is situated within a growing residential area within the local Maitland network servicing a diverse and geographically widespread community. The school is located in the Maitland Principal Network. The school's enrolment is 1410 at the commencement of 2025 including 11 inclusion and support classes, with students from diverse socio–economic backgrounds, as well as 20% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The school has strong ties with the Aboriginal community and a close association with the Maitland Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG). A driving force in Aboriginal education is the Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre (ALEC) that provides wellbeing, academic and cultural support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to enhance education outcomes, attendance and HSC attainment. There is a sustained focus on explicit teaching and learning strategies that promote student growth and equity. Differentiation practices cater to the targeted needs of English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D), students with additional literacy and numeracy support needs, and High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) opportunities for students in all four domains.
The school is well resourced and has a proud tradition of providing quality and highly successful programs in the creative arts, sport and extra curricula activities. Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is an integral part of the school wellbeing ethos focusing on respect, responsibility, and commitment. An innovative Learning Support Team runs several highly regarded student wellbeing programs in the school. Senior students are catered for with mentoring programs and a fully staffed senior study area. The school values the input of community members through the Parents and Citizens' Association. Rutherford Technology High School is one of six schools who are part of the Rutherford Learning Community (RLC). With our partner primary schools, we form a very strong and innovative Local Management Group with a strong K-12 focus.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit in either Word or PDF format:
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)
- including name, phone number/s and email for two professional referees
4. Copies of your qualifications and academic transcripts
Note: all documents relating to your application including qualifications and academic transcripts are required to be submitted online via iworkfor.nsw . No paper based, email or late applications will be accepted.