School Support Officer

The School Support Officer position is an unsworn member of the Queensland Police Service (QPS), who provides assistance to educational institutions across Queensland. Each year School Support Officers will be designated a small number of primary schools within the Police District area they are employed in. The QPS previously piloted School Support Officers in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton. This capability is now being extended to other areas across the state.

Through Programs, Engagement and Referral, you will partner with Department of Education (DoE), and other relevant stakeholders, to provide support to youth with the aim of reducing harm, offending behaviours and/or risk of educational disengagement.

Meritorious applicants will be offered available positions in order of merit, until all positions are filled.

The core capability requirements for this role are:

• Develop and maintain strong productive working relationships with educational institutions and key QPS units.
• Effectively deliver evidence-based programs to students, staff and/or parents to reduce the likelihood of victimisation and offending behaviours.
• Conduct rapport building engagement activities within the school setting and support other QPS youth-based programs, events and activities.
• Action school referrals to support students who are at risk of educational disengagement and are vulnerable to harm and offending behaviours.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to identify, respond or refer ‘at risk' youth to appropriate support services.
• Complete contemporaneous records and documentation.
• Ensure effective management of resources under your control.

Role Requirements

Mandatory:

• Eligibility to obtain and hold a current QLD driver's licence and QLD Working with Children (Blue card) is mandatory.

Qualification:

• Qualifications (tertiary/vocational) in a relevant field such as youth work/social work, teaching; and experience in presenting in an education setting are highly desirable.

Technical/ Operational/ Educational experience:

• School Support Officers at times when they are supporting youth, may be required to conduct home visits at residential addresses.

Other:

• School Support Officers may be required to assist other Queensland Police Service units such as District Crime Prevention, Police Citizens Youth Club, Project Booyah, etc.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.