This is a permanent, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2026
Newman Senior High School (SHS) is the jewel in the Iron Heart of the Pilbara. Our staff are committed to every student making exceptional progress, to enjoy learning and to be motivated by The Newman Way, our school values of Care and Compassion, Respect and Responsibility.
The school community is very fortunate to have exceptional support from the community. This includes the Pilbara Education Partnership with BHP and Follow the Dream program. Our local businesses provide opportunities for students with workplace learning and school-based traineeships.
Staff and students have together identified the fundamental principles that will guide the way we consistently interact with each other. Our values guide the behaviours we encourage and consistently desire and expect from all school community members.
We care for both ourselves and others by treating people fairly and protecting what we believe is important, as a school with diverse cultures we will treat others with consideration, seek to be included and include others. Whether personal, academic, social or environmental, all school members strive to embrace the opportunities we have, be accountable for our actions and resolve differences in appropriate ways, these behaviours are known as The Newman Way.
Find out more about Newman SHS by visiting www.newmanshs.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
The Role
The School Based Attendance Officer will assist the school community with processes to improve student engagement and attendance in educational programs. In this role you will collaborate with school students, staff, parents, education regional office and the community to identify causes of absenteeism and assist in supporting students in overcoming these. As the School Based Attendance Officer, you may be required to explore alternative educational, vocational or employment options aimed at improving student engagement.
The successful applicant will work to establish systems and processes to increase school attendance and accountability for non-attendance. You will also assist with the development and implementation of individual student attendance improvement plans whilst participating in collaborative case conferences and attendance panels to improve student attendance, participation and retention.
The School Based Attendance Officer will maintain student-specific case notes, briefing notes and relevant attendance information for reporting to the school and regional administration on a regular basis whilst carrying out duties in accordance with current Department policies, relevant legislation, guidelines and system initiatives, awards and agreements, and the regional management plan and priorities. As such, it would be highly desirable for the successful applicant to be well-organised and thorough.
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Charmaine Ford, Principal on (08) 9175 8100 or emailing Charmaine.Ford@education.wa.edu.au
Equity and Diversity
We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.
Eligibility
To work with us, you must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
- obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
- consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Application Instructions
Apply online in two easy steps:
Step 1: Select Apply for Job
Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV of up to two (2) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A three (3) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
- Demonstrated sound knowledge of current trends and issues related to attendance and education within a local community.
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with individuals or small groups of students experiencing attendance related difficulties.
- Demonstrated sound research and problem-solving skills including the ability to identify appropriate solutions to problems, such as those affecting student attendance.
- Demonstrated sound interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, particularly in a team environment.
It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.
For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SS1014777
Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 12 December 2025
