Role of a Guidance Officer
Guidance Officers (GO) are specialist who deliver a broad range of services to school community members. They contribute to the development of a comprehensive student support and wellbeing program that is responsive to the needs of the school community.
GO's require a diverse range of skills and knowledge and an ability to form strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders in order to develop and implement plans and programs that are responsive to the needs of students.
GO's work directly with students in addition to working with a student's teachers, school support personnel, family, other specialists or external support providers. The Guidance officer provides teams consultancy support for students with additional needs.
GO's support social and emotional development of groups and individuals in the school community, extending into health and welfare issues. They advocate, provide counselling, psychoeducational assessment and individual student support, recommendations and advice to students, teachers and parents concerning educational, behavioural, mental health and family issues; in order to make recommendations for educational needs.
GO's work as part of a multidisciplinary team and facilitate effective working relationships and partnerships with parents, school personnel and external support agencies in order to provide a comprehensive support, case management and referral service that optimises students' access and engagement in educational programs.
GO's participate in relevant professional development, and prepare and implement professional and personal skill development programs and in service activities for administrators, teachers and parents.
GO's provide leadership and specialised support in response to student protection issues; critical incidents and emergencies; and the transition of students into alternative education programs, and their reintegration back into mainstream schooling.
GO's are legends!!