Role: Behaviour Support Assistant
Status: Permanent / Full-time / Term time only
Location: The Sycamore School, Alexandra Hills Queensland
Role Commencing: Immediate start if possible

The Sycamore School is an independent school for Prep to Year 10 young people from the autistic community. Its focus is on improving life quality outcomes. At The Sycamore School we believe in the promise and potential of each student, respecting their individualism as well as their unique and creative perspectives on our world. The Sycamore School provides a positive learning environment which is enhanced by quality teaching to assist each young person on their educational journey.

The Behaviour Support Assistant will embody the following:

Breadth and depth of understanding in positive behaviour support strategies.

Commitment to professional learning and continuous improvement.

Ability to motivate staff and influence the development of behaviour practices.

Outstanding professional practice, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Outstanding organisational skills, planning, analytical thinking capabilities.

Ability to sustain productive working relationships and partnerships.

Evidence of personal drive, resilience and integrity.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal with staff empathetically to build trust and a positive learning culture.

Responsibilities:

As the Behaviour Support Assistant, you will report to and work collaboratively with the Behaviour Specialist in taking responsibility for:

Providing advice, data, and resources to staff to support the management of individual and group behaviour.

Drawing on specialist skills and knowledge to respond effectively to the needs of autistic young people.

Supporting staff to diffuse and de-escalate behaviours of concern.

Analysing behaviours by conducting classroom observations, collecting data, and completing relevant assessments.

Implementing preventative and proactive strategies informed by data.

Assisting staff in identifying the function of behaviours and areas of skill development needs.

Coaching and mentoring staff to build their understanding of the behavioural needs of young people.

Developing resources and delivering professional learning to support the implementation of identified behaviour strategies.

Participating in collaborative and consultative processes to develop support plans for young people exhibiting behaviours of concern.

Informing the development of Personal Learning Plan (PLP) goals in collaboration with the teaching team.

Supporting the implementation of behaviour support plans and associated strategies in partnership with staff.

Assisting staff with the use of nominated strategies and data collection tools.

Contributing to the evaluation of behaviour plans by collecting and analysing data to assess strategy effectiveness.

Supporting young people in developing emotional regulation skills to help them engage with their social, emotional, and educational goals.

Assisting staff in collaborating with parents and carers to promote a shared understanding of a young person's needs.

Liaising with external professionals by sharing advice, data, and resources to support a holistic understanding of the young person's behaviour.

Maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge and skills by staying informed of current developments and best practices in the field.

Supporting child protection procedures as per legislation and The Sycamore School’s Child Protection Policy.

Being a key member of a community that prides itself on celebrating all young people.

Demonstrating the highest standards of professional behaviour, exercise professional judgement and act in a courteous and sensitive manner when interacting with young people, parents or caregivers, staff, and the public.

Being responsible for the safety, welfare and well-being of young people, actively seeking to prevent harm to young people, and to support those who have been harmed by having ongoing ‘duty of care’ at all times.

Supporting and operating within the values of The Sycamore School.

Performing other duties as directed.

Benefits:

Be part of a team that is providing a positive learning environment for young people from the autistic community.

Make your salary more tax-effective and increase your disposable income by opting into available Not-For-Profit salary sacrificing.

To be considered for the role you should:

Be studying towards a bachelor’s degree preferably in a related field (psychology, behaviour science or social science).

Have experience in working with autistic young people preferable or willingness to learn ASD specific techniques.

Have previous experience working in a school or education environment preferable.

Possess a Working with Children Check (Blue Card).

Have the right to live and work in Australia.

Applications should include:

A cover letter including a description of:

Your motivation and passion for improving the outcomes for all students.

Your experience supporting autistic young people in education settings.

The strengths you would bring to The Sycamore School team.

A resume (no more than 2 pages in length) including the details of at least 2 referees, one from your current place of employment and one from a previous place of employment.

If you have a passion for supporting autistic young people and are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in their lives, we invite you to apply to join our team at The Sycamore School.

Applications close 2pm on Wednesday 28 May 2025. Suitable candidates will be progressed to interview and appointed prior to the closure date so we encourage you to apply early.

The Sycamore School is committed to:

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students and will provide a safe and supportive environment for students by taking all reasonable steps to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of students enrolled at our School and their protection from foreseeable harm.

Providing and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all workers (including contractors and volunteers) as well as clients, visitors and members of the public. Hazards and risks to health and safety will be eliminated or minimised, as far as is reasonably practicable.