School Youth Support Worker

The School Youth Support Worker can be contacted via the school office (98764481) or by email: cheltenham-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au with subject matter marked as - For (Schools Youth Support Worker).

The School Youth Support Worker role

The role of the School Youth Support Worker (i.e. Schools Worker) is to assist the broader school community through the provision of help and support of the personal, social and spiritual wellbeing of students and of the general school community. Services could include, but are not limited to:

• ^{Working with the school counsellors and welfare team.}
• ^{Providing students, their families and staff with emotional support and/or appropriate referrals in difficult situations.}
• ^{Supporting students who desire to explore their spirituality, values and ethical matters or referring to appropriate services to do so.}
• ^{Being approachable to all school community members regardless of culture, faith background, age or gender.}
• ^{Provide services with a spiritual content including facilitation of discussion groups and lunchtime programs with the consent of the Principal.}
• ^{Participate in school activities and projects, such as camps and excursions.}
• ^{Facilitate activities connecting students with other community groups.}

Participation in all programs or services offered by the Schools Worker is always regarded as voluntary. Families may opt out at any time by contacting the School Principal Mrs Suellen Lawrence.

The Schools Worker is normally available onsite Tuesday to Friday except when otherwise involved with broader school activities and programs offsite.  

Due to the experience and training of the Schools Worker, the Principal has also delegated some responsibility for Special Religious Education (SRE) to this role and additionally the Schools Worker is usually involved in SRE program delivery each Thursday. This role is directly funded by local community churches.

Complaints procedure: Any concerns regarding the role and/or actions of the Schools Worker should be directed to the School Principal. Appropriate internal policies and procedures will be implemented.

Program evaluation

Ongoing evaluation of this position and the associated program is part of the usual school evaluation processes. An annual report is presented to school community, usually via the P&C. Following presentation of the report the school community will be asked to confirm ongoing support for the continuation of the program.

NOTE: This program was previously partially funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.