This is a 12 month fixed term, full time position commencing Term 3, 2026 with possible extension and/or permanency.

The Role

The role of the Student Support Officer is considered essential to ensuring a responsive and effective student support service. Communication skills and the 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 and will contribute to the development of student support strategies and programs. Student Support Officers may also be involved in transporting students.

Applying skills to maintain skilled boundaries while adopting a student‑centric approach will help contribute to positive student outcomes. Under direction the Student Support Officer provides support in therapeutic crisis management and develops personalised de‑escalation strategies.

The successful applicant will work as part of a SALS team located at Karratha: a Program Coordinator, a team of teachers, a Youth Transition Officer and a School Psychologist. Prior experience in student engagement, transitions, case management, social and emotional learning program development, student support or related fields is desirable. Professional learning in de‑escalation, team teaching, circles of courage, therapeutic crisis intervention and trauma‑informed practice is valued.

Travel to Perth or other SALS locations may be required for skilled learning, staff development days and inductions, including overnight stays and air travel. A valid WA driver’s licence is required.

School of Alternative Learning Settings





SALS was established in 2019 to target a specific cohort of students with complex, challenging behaviour and deliver a short‑term intensive intervention. In 2022 it became a stand‑alone school offering specialised activities that build social skills and self‑regulation. The program provides access to specialists such as paediatricians and clinical psychologists.

There are 13 SALS sites across metropolitan and regional regions of Western Australia, including an Administration site in Padbury. Students receive an intensive, individualised support program while continuing their education, with a strong focus on social skills, self‑regulation, adaptable learning, co‑design, cultural responsiveness and self‑determination.

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity of 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

- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
- Obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start.
- 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.

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📌 Student Support Officer (Shire of East Pilbara)
🏢 Department of Education, Western Australia
📍 Shire of East Pilbara