Advertised Vacancy Number SS/SS752149
Appointment Pool
The School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) is seeking to establish a pool of enthusiastic and dedicated Student Support Officers to join the ALS Program in Broome Education Region for appointments to permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies which may arise during the 2022 school year and up to the end of Term 3, 2023. Appointments can be made from the pool at any time for commencements within the 2022 school year, up to the end of Term 3, 2023.
The pool will initially be used to appoint 1x 1.0FTE permanent position for commencement in Term 3, 2022.
The Alternative Learning Setting (ALS) program was originally established in early 2019 to target a specific cohort of students who had demonstrated signs of physical aggression and would benefit from a short-term, intensive intervention program. SALS delivers specialised activities and learning programs that build students’ social skills and self-regulation in environments designed to effect positive and lasting change in their behaviour. The program has the capacity to provide access to specialists such as paediatricians, clinical psychologists or consultation with psychiatrists.
At the commencement of the 2022 academic year the program has been consolidated as a stand-alone school. The SALS is part of the network of specialist schools that operate under the Statewide Services pillar of Service Delivery. Our main school office administration is located at the Statewide Services centre, in Padbury.
Several ALS sites located in the metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia (WA), are already operational, and a significant number of additional sites to be established over the next two years across the state. Each setting accommodates up to 10 students who are provided with an intensive, individualised program of support while they continue their education. There is a strong focus on developing students’ social skills and ability to self-regulate. Learning and engagement is flexible, co-designed with students, culturally responsive and supports self-determination and interpersonal connection.
The role of the Student Support Officer is considered essential to ensuring a responsive and effective student support service. As a result, your communication skills and ability to be an effective team player will be highly regarded. You will be part of a cohesive team that provides a responsive social and emotional curriculum where you will contribute to the development of student support strategies and student support programs. Student Support Officers may also be involved in transporting students.
School staff benefit from working in a collaborative team environment, sharing common goals and resources in supporting students, schools and parents across a state-wide service. Applicants that have skills in maintaining professional boundaries while adopting a student centric approach that aids in contributing to positive student outcomes will be highly regarded. In addition, under direction the Student Support Officer provides support in therapeutic crisis management and the development of personalised student de-escalation strategies.
Suitable applicants will work as part of a SALS team located in Broome. The setting comprises of a program coordinator and a team of teachers with support from student support officers, and/or AIEO and a school psychologist. The successful applicant will ideally have experience and credibility in student engagement and transitions, case management, social and emotional learning program development, a background in student support and current professional learning, or the capacity to undertake targeted professional learning, in areas such as de-escalation, team teach, circle of courage, therapeutic crisis intervention in schools and trauma-informed practice.
All functions of Statewide Services support successful outcomes for all students. This is achieved through a focus on better integration of services with schools, students, families, and external service providers; supporting schools and networks of schools to deliver high quality teaching and learning in every classroom; and creating expanded opportunities for students to develop the academic, personal, and social competencies they will need for participation in the workforce and society of the future.
Suitable applicants may be required to travel, across the Broome Educational Region, our school and to Perth to attend professional learning, that may include overnight stays and air travel. This role may require suitable applicants to hold and maintain a valid WA driver’s licence.
To be suitable for this role, you will need to demonstrate the following work related requirements (selection criteria):
- Good oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships.
- Effective planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing prioritises within timelines.
- Good research, conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to identify problems and provide solutions.
- Skills and experience in working with individual or small groups of students experiencing difficulties.
- Knowledge of the youth sector, particularly local organisations and services.
Applications will be assessed against these work related requirements (selection criteria) of the position. The business needs of the school may also be considered. It is therefore recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information before applying for the vacancy.
The Department is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and persons from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.
Further information about SALS can be found by visiting Schools Online.
For further job related information:
You are encouraged to contact Dave Dennis, Associate Principal, for further information about this employment opportunity, including information about living and working in Broome, by telephoning 0449 278 889 or emailing david.dennis@education.wa.edu.au
Application Instructions
All applications are submitted online. Select “Apply for Job”, at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions on your screen.
Your application should include:
- A four (4) page statement addressing the Work Related Requirements (selection criteria), in context of the role and business needs of the school
- A CV of up to four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- The contact details for two (2) work related referees who can attest to the claims made in your written application, preferably one being your current line manager.
It is recommended you have these documents completed and ready to attach before selecting “Apply for Job”.
You are asked to complete an online application form and attach your documentation, please allow enough time to complete this process as applications cannot be accepted after the closing date and time.
After you have submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming lodgement. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please telephone (08) 9264 4127.
If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone (08) 9264 8666 for assistance.
ELIGIBILITY AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Employees will be required to:
- obtain a current Department of Education Criminal Record Clearance prior to commencement of employment
- obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check
- complete the Department’s induction program within three months of commencement
- complete any training specific to this role required by Departmental policy
- complete the Department’s training in Accountable and Ethical Decision-Making within six months of appointment
- provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the vacancy
- complete the Department’s Aboriginal Cultural Appreciation course
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are advised of the recently announced mandatory vaccination policy for various occupations and workforces in WA. Employees working in, or attending school sites are required to be vaccinated in accordance with the policy. More information can be found at Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for WA workforces (www.wa.gov.au)
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications must be submitted before 4.30pm (WST) on Tuesday, 7 June 2022
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE
PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.