Education Support Officer – Multiple Positions (2027 Contract, Term-Time Only)

The Sycamore School; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 50,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

The Sycamore School in Brisbane is seeking an Education Support Officer to assist autistic learners within a holistic educational environment. You will help teachers deliver a curriculum, prepare learning materials and support individualised learning plans to maximise student engagement.

Ideal candidates will have a Certificate III or IV in Education Support, a Blue Card and experience with autistic learners.

Qualifications

• Certificate III or IV in Education Support or an equivalent qualification.
• Current Queensland Working with Children Check (Blue Card) or eligibility to obtain one.
• Experience working with autistic young people and understanding their learning needs.
• Legal right to live and work in Australia.

Responsibilities

• Support autistic learners within a holistic educational environment.
• Assist teachers in delivering a curriculum and preparing learning materials.
• Support individualised learning approaches to enable access and engagement with the curriculum.
• Collaborate with teachers to implement differentiated teaching strategies.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Certificate III or IV in Education Support

Working with Children Check (Blue Card)

Experience with autistic learners

Enrolment in teaching qualification

Job description

Education Support Officer – Multiple Positions (2027 Contract, Term-Time Only)

The Sycamore School is an independent school for Prep to Year 10 young people from the autistic community. Its focus is on improving life quality outcomes.

The School provides a safe and inclusive, autism friendly learning environment aimed at achieving personalised learning goals and academic progression.

Using a strengths-based approach, innovative ways of teaching, evidence-informed strategies and the Australian Curriculum, the School provides a positive learning environment which is enhanced by quality teaching to assist each young person on their educational journey.

The Sycamore School is a place of celebration providing each young person with a spectrum of choice and opportunities to build independence to advocate for themselves and reach their potential.

THE ROLE

As an Education Support Officer (ESO), you will:

Support autistic young people within a holistic educational environment that is individually responsive, relevant and relational.

Assist teachers in delivering an evidence-informed, relevant and effective curriculum through the preparation of learning materials, supervision of learning activities and completion of associated administrative duties.

Support the implementation of individualised learning approaches that enable each young person to access and engage with the curriculum to their greatest capacity, develop independence and become confident, active members of their community.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Teaching and Learning Support:

Support the implementation of teaching strategies and programs developed by the teacher to enhance curriculum access, learning engagement, social participation and positive classroom management.

Work collaboratively with the teacher to deliver teaching and learning programs that respond to individual needs, strengths and abilities and maximise learning outcomes.

Develop an understanding of the Australian Curriculum and how it informs the teacher’s curriculum planning, assessment and reporting.

Collaborate with the teacher in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of learning activities for individuals and groups.

Support the teacher to implement differentiated teaching strategies and recommended adjustments that enable young people across the full range of abilities to access the curriculum and participate meaningfully in learning.

Support learning experiences using strategies appropriate to each young person’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development, as directed by the teacher.

Assist individuals and small groups with teacher-directed learning activities, including the development of literacy and numeracy skills.

Support and monitor progress towards Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) SMART goals in collaboration with the teacher.

Provide timely, constructive and appropriate feedback to young people about their progress and achievements in relation to their learning goals.

Observe learning, engagement and behaviour, and communicate relevant observations and feedback to the teacher using approved systems and processes.

Maintain accurate records, data collections, reports and samples of work as required.

Autism-Informed Practice and Student Wellbeing:

Promote understanding, acceptance and respect for autism, drawing on relevant specialist knowledge to respond effectively to the individual needs of autistic young people.

Support the implementation of The Sycamore School’s Respect the Spectrum Framework to enhance access to the Australian Curriculum and participation in learning.

Implement positive behaviour support strategies and restorative practices, including facilitating reconnection, promoting emotional regulation and supporting positive relationships.

Contribute to a safe, inclusive, supportive and positive learning environment that celebrates neurodiversity and recognises the strengths, interests and aspirations of each young person.

Support the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all young people by maintaining an ongoing duty of care, actively working to prevent harm and following the School’s procedures for responding to concerns about safety or wellbeing.

Follow teacher-developed risk assessments and established Work Health and Safety (WHS) procedures to support the safe delivery of classroom learning, incursions, excursions and other school activities. Identify and report hazards and implement required risk controls.

Support the development of understanding, recognition and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.

Collaboration and Communication:

Work collaboratively with teachers, colleagues, parents/carers and external stakeholders to support young people’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Establish and maintain respectful, professional and collaborative relationships with parents/carers, communicating appropriately within the scope of the ESO role.

Demonstrate confidentiality, discretion, tact, reliability and sensitivity when handling information and interacting with young people, families, colleagues and the wider community.

Exercise sound professional judgement and demonstrate courteous, respectful and sensitive behaviour in all professional interactions.

Demonstrate initiative in anticipating classroom needs and supporting teachers and young people while working within the direction and guidance of the teacher.

Apply constructive feedback from colleagues to strengthen professional knowledge, skills and practice.

Classroom and Administrative Support:

Assist teachers with classroom preparation, organisation, administrative tasks and the preparation of learning resources required for the effective delivery of learning experiences.

Promote the safe, responsible and ethical use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the classroom.

Follow established School policies, procedures and systems relating to documentation, communication, information management and workplace safety.

Professional Responsibilities:

Undertake relevant ongoing professional development to strengthen knowledge, skills and competence in the education support role, including autism-informed practice.

Contribute positively as a valued member of the School community, embracing a culture that celebrates neurodiversity and the achievements, strengths and individuality of all young people.

Uphold and promote the values, policies, procedures and expectations of The Sycamore School.

Perform other duties as reasonably directed and consistent with the scope of the role.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

It is preferred that Education Support Officers have the following qualifications and experience:

Certificate III or IV in Education Support, or a relevant equivalent qualification.

Relevant experience in an educational setting or current enrolment in a teaching qualification.

A current Queensland Working with Children Check (Blue Card), or eligibility to obtain one, in accordance with legislative requirements.

Experience working with autistic young people and an understanding of their diverse learning, communication and support needs.

The legal right to live and work in Australia.