Student Wellbeing Support Program

Western Student Connections is an approved provider on the prequalified panel of external providers for the employment of a Student Wellbeing Support Officer – Youth Worker.

The NSW Department of Education provides annual funding to schools of $7,000 to engage a student wellbeing support officer. Schools must contribute $7,000 and source $7,000 from the community. Schools and communities may choose to contribute more than $7,000.

To find out more, contact Western Student Connections or go to: https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/whole-school-approach/wellbeing-support/student-wellbeing-support-program

Student Wellbeing Support Officer - Youth Worker
Role of the Student Wellbeing Support Officer

While the key tasks of a student wellbeing support officer will vary depending on the needs of individual school communities, they could include:

  • Working closely with, and/or as part of the school learning and support team or wellbeing committee and delivering student resilience and wellbeing services.
  • Supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of students.
  • Developing relationships with, and referring students to specialist services within the school or externally, under the supervision of the school principal.
  • Attending Parents & Citizens? or equivalent parent body meetings as required to provide details of the program and the services that are available.
  • Facilitating community partnership programs between the school and the wider community, under the supervision of the school principal.

 Western Student Connections as an External Provider

The school and WSC sign a standard funding agreement provided by the department that outlines their roles and responsibilities.

WSC will be responsible for the administrative processes associated with the employment of a student wellbeing support officer (youth worker), such as:

  • Perform recruitment and selection of a student wellbeing support officer in consultation with the school principal. The school principal must give their endorsement before a student wellbeing support officer is engaged for the school.
  • Certify that the student wellbeing support officer is not a prohibited person under any child protection laws and will agree to undergo any screening as required under these laws and/or by policies of the department.
  • Monitor the student wellbeing support officer role, in consultation with the school principal
  • Provide ongoing professional development for the student wellbeing support officer
  • Replace a student wellbeing support officer if the student wellbeing support officer is unable to remain with the school
  • Arrange relevant insurances (e.g. workers compensation)
  • Pay general administration fees, audit and monitoring compliance fees and administration/support staff costs.
WSC will invoice the school for four equal and upfront payments at the beginning of each term. The project agreement allows for the provider to use up to 20% of the total funds invoiced for related administration costs.
It is expected that $21,000 should provide a minimum of 400 hours of service a year.