School Learning Support Officer – Warrawong High School

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.

School Learning Support Officers provide support for students with identified diverse learning needs including disability in classrooms and other learning environments under the direction and supervision of a teacher to support the achievement of educational outcomes. This support includes student welfare, health and wellbeing activities as required. In addition, School Learning Support Officers may provide specific support for students in the following streams or settings: pre-school, vision support, hearing support and bilingual. Student Learning Support Officers working in these streams or settings have specific additional duties, in addition to the general duties for School Learning Support Officers that are required to be performed.

Essential Requirements

• Working with Children Check Clearance
• Completion of mandatory training required by the Department of Education and a willingness to undertake first aid training relevant to the School Learning Support Officer role.
• Administration of Medications – training to be provided based on student needs.
• Health support training to be provided based on student needs (subject to transition provisions).

Warrawong High School is a diverse, inclusive and aspirational learning community that proudly reflects the cultural richness of contemporary Australia. Located within the Lake Illawarra North network, we work closely with our Warrawong Community of Schools to strengthen educational opportunities and pathways for young people across our local community. With approximately 565 students, our school community brings together young people from diverse cultural, linguistic and social backgrounds. Around 46% of students have a language background other than English, with students and families representing more than 29 nationalities and 37 languages other than English. A further 11% of our students identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, enriching our school through culture, identity, connection to Country and community. With a FOEI of 166, we are committed to creating opportunities for every student to thrive, achieve and realise their aspirations.

Warrawong High School celebrates the diverse strengths, abilities, interests and aspirations of every student. Our Bayview Education Centre comprises ten classes and provides highly personalised learning opportunities that enable students with diverse abilities to develop their skills, independence, confidence and connections with the wider school community. We proudly host the region’s Intensive English Centre, supporting newly arrived, refugee and international students as they transition into Australian education. PRIME provides targeted intensive literacy and numeracy intervention, ensuring students are supported to build strong foundations for future learning. We provide opportunities for high potential and gifted students through ASPIRE and nurture future-focused learning through the Illawarra Academy of STEM Excellence, developed in partnership with industry and community. Our Real Madrid Foundation Social Sports program is used to build connection, confidence, participation and aspiration. Our approach to learning is grounded in high expectations, explicit teaching, strong relationships and a commitment to student growth and attainment. We value Respect, Responsibility and Resilience and strive to create a school where every student is known, valued and cared for.

Through strong partnerships with families, community, education, industry and sporting organisations, Warrawong High School continues to create opportunities that enable our diverse student community to learn, grow, connect and achieve. Our students bring remarkable strengths, experiences and perspectives to our school, and we are committed to ensuring these are recognised, nurtured and celebrated.

Team Responsibilities

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work with students with emotional, physical or intellectual disabilities.
• Awareness of the needs of students with emotional, physical or intellectual disabilities.
• Effective communication skills.

This is an identified Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander position. Aboriginality/Torres Strait Islander Descent is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants must provide documentation upon appointment.

Selection Criteria

• Describe how you would support a student with disability and diverse learning needs to engage in classroom activities, develop independence and work towards their individual learning goals.
• Describe how you would work collaboratively with teachers, other SLSOs and the broader school team to support students in a Support Unit.