School Support Officer - Yarrabah State School

About the Role and School

Yarrabah State School is inviting applications for two enthusiastic, compassionate School Support Officers to contribute to a culturally diverse and inclusive school community. This position focuses on fostering a positive school environment by working closely with students and staff to boost attendance, engagement, behaviour, and participation. Responsibilities include supervising students throughout the school day, supporting student programs, and helping facilitate smooth transitions back to classrooms.

Located within the traditional lands of the Gunggandji and Yidinji peoples near Cairns, Yarrabah State School serves approximately 450 students, all identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The school embraces cultural heritage through its language programs and strives to build a welcoming community grounded in culture, identity, and belonging.

Key Duties

• Assist in promoting student engagement, wellbeing, and positive behaviour with supervised programs.
• Establish and maintain respectful, supportive relationships with students using strong communication skills.
• Observe and monitor student progress, referring individuals to appropriate support services as necessary.
• Provide supervision during bus duty, playground breaks, and various school activities.
• Maintain professionalism and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Engage in professional development and collaborate effectively with teaching staff to enhance student outcomes.

Candidate Attributes and Requirements

The ideal candidate will exhibit patience, empathy, initiative, and strong interpersonal skills capable of building meaningful connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. A commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices and creating a safe, inclusive environment is essential for success.

Application Process

• Submit a brief resume including contact information for two referees familiar with your relevant experience.
• Provide a one-page statement detailing how your skills and achievements meet the role’s requirements.
• Include evidence of the mandatory qualifications outlined in the role description.

The recruitment process ensures inclusivity and is open to all applicants. Applications are valid for 12 months and may be considered for similar positions within the department. Agency applications will not be accepted.