Alesco Illawarra is an independent, non-traditional Special Assistance School for Years 9-12, registered and accredited with the NSW Education Standards Authority. Based in Wollongong with additional campuses in the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven, our purpose is to create capable, confident and self-assured young people who are connected to their community and able to forge a path to a productive future.

We have a permanent, full-time Student Wellbeing Officer position available at our Wollongong Campus, commencing late January 2020.

Many students enrolled at Alesco Illawarra have experienced trauma in their lives. Our students may have significant gaps in academic achievement and find it difficult to learn in a large group setting, while sometimes presenting with internalising mental health disorders and other social-emotional problems in school.

You will have a case load of young people in Years 9 to 12, and will work proactively and collaboratively with students, their caregivers, other Alesco Illawarra teaching and non-teaching staff and external organisations to facilitate the student's Individual Learning Profile, wellbeing and transition plans. Working within the framework of self-determination and using trauma-sensitive positive education practices, the focus is on building skills so the young person can develop a sense of belonging and autonomy in working towards their personal goals, within the school environment and beyond.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• A dedicated and motivated professional with case management skills and a continuous improvement mindset
• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people who need an alternative to the mainstream education system
• Patient and able to build rapport and effectively engage young people who have been affected by adverse childhood experiences
• The kind of person who thrives in working collaboratively with a small team of diverse professionals in a community of practice, for the benefit of the students

This position is classified as child-related work. A valid NSW Working with Children Check clearance is essential.

Alesco Illawarra operates under the auspices of WEA Illawarra, which is a not-for-profit Community College, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Public Benevolent Institution.

A full position description with selection criteria is attached below.