As the School Support Officer, you will play a key role in Mackay State High School's Attendance and Engagement Team, supporting daily routines that promote high expectations for punctuality, uniform compliance, and learning engagement.
You will provide supervision of students during detentions, monitor uniform compliance and truancy, and support school programs in consultation with Heads of Years and teachers. This role reports to the relevant House Deputy Principal and works closely with the Attendance Office and House Deans.
About the School
Mackay State High School, established in 1912, is one of Queensland's oldest state high schools and has a proud history of academic, cultural, and sporting excellence. Located in the vibrant Mackay region, the school is committed to fostering successful citizenship through quality teaching and learning. Guided by its motto, "Labor Vincit" (Work Conquers), and core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience, Mackay State High School provides a supportive and inclusive environment for its diverse student body. With a strong tradition of success and a forward-thinking approach, the school continues to prepare students for a bright future.
About the Role
As the School Support Officer, you will act as a key part of Mackay State High School's Attendance and Engagement Team, supporting daily routines that promote high expectations for punctuality, uniform compliance, and learning engagement. You will work closely with the Heads of Years, House Deans, and the Attendance Office to ensure students are supported in their learning journey.
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring students before and after school and during recess to ensure uniform compliance and address truancy.
- Providing supervision of students through the facilitation of lunchtime detentions for uniform and truancy infringements and supporting the after-school detention program every Tuesday afternoon.
- Supporting truancy reduction by patrolling school grounds and nearby streets, ensuring students attend classes promptly, and escorting students to class if required.
- Following up on truancy reports, identifying patterns or inconsistencies, and working closely with the Attendance Officer to action monitoring, communication, and escalation processes.
- Being available during Home Group Roll (HGR) in Student Support Services to conduct uniform checks, request students to change into loan uniforms, issue detentions, and send text messages to parents when required.
- Providing supportive and proactive communication to families where ongoing uniform infringements occur.
- Working with House Deans and teachers to support students returning to class, including contacting families, helping students re-engage, and assisting in the development of support plans or re-entry plans where needed.
- Conducting incident investigations under the direction of House Deputy Principals, gathering statements, documenting findings, and supporting follow-up actions.
- Making daily contact with students from your House who are suspended, ensuring they are completing schoolwork, maintaining connection with the school, and preparing for a smooth re-engagement with learning.
- Referring students to school support services staff and other personnel as required.
- Participating in professional development sessions in areas relevant to work programs and expectations.
- Maintaining quality in all duties, adhering to school processes, guidelines, and procedures while seeking continuous improvement.
- Undertaking bus duty if required.
This role would suit someone who is passionate about student engagement, has strong interpersonal skills, and thrives in a dynamic school environment.
About You
The following traits would be beneficial:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students and families.
- Experience in student supervision or working within an educational workplace.
- Ability to identify and address behavioural patterns and support student engagement.
- Proactive and solution-focused approach to managing student behaviour and attendance.
- Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
Interested? To Apply:
- Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
- Provide a two-page written response addressing the information in the "About the Role" and "About You" sections of this advertisement.
We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.