South Grafton High School is currently one of fifty schools across New South Wales piloting the new position of student support officer (SSO). Student support officers are not teachers, they are trained social workers and have formal qualifications in this area.
The student support officer will support students as a part of the school’s Learning and Support Team. They will also liaise with the School Counsellor who will continue to focus on complex cases using their psychological expertise. Part of the role will involve assisting the school community with establishing ties with other community organisations and agencies such as police, NSW Health and non-government organisations.
The role is to provide support to students through:
- Connecting students and their families with other staff, services and/or community agencies
- Assisting with student well-being and anti-bullying strategies; digital citizenship programs; facilitating student involvement
- Working with individual and small groups of students to develop effective coping skills and positive relationships at school and at home
- Liaising with partner primary schools to support effective transition of students to secondary school.
Office hours for the Student Support Officer are 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday.