School services officers assist teaching staff in primary and secondary schools in the preparation of teaching materials and with general classroom non-teaching duties. Assisting and participating in activities that enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of school children is a school services officer's function. One school services officer reported that children in Years 1, 2 and 3 formed her daily work tasks. It depends, she said, on which of the five teachers she is assigned to, that she is working with at the time.

There are 16% of school services officers who have Certificate III or Certificate IV, 9% have an Advanced Diploma or Diploma, 9% have Bachelor degrees. A further 57% have no post-school qualifications. Training is usually provided once you have commenced work. It may be advantageous, however, to have qualifications in this area if you are seeking employment. Most school services officers work part-time.

TAFE SA offers a Certificate III and IV in School Based Education Support that is relevant to this occupation.

SA Traineeships are available in this occupation. For further information go to the Traineeship & Apprenticeship Services Website at http://www.skills.sa.gov.au/apprenticeships-traineeships or phone the Freecall number 1800 673 097.

School services officers are usually employed in government and non-government primary and secondary schools. Jobs are generally part time with few full-time positions. Job prospects are expected to increase.

As a school services officer, you could be preparing charts or booklets, distributing and collecting lesson material or photocopying. They also have to prepare reading, science and mathematics material specified by the teacher and sometimes go through this with small groups of children. If any student is experiencing difficulty with the lesson, they may take them aside and help them individually. Or it could be that a group are finding the work very easy so the teacher may give them extension work to do that school services officers will help with.

School services officers also assist in the support of children with intellectual, physical and behavioural difficulties with their academic studies. Just as it is critical to assist school children with their academic abilities, school services officers also assist children individually to learn social skills. They may also prepare indoor or outdoor areas for learning or recreational activities for the children.

To enjoy and do this type of work well, it is important to demonstrate certain qualities. Patience is key to the role because you will have to work with a wide range of children and other staff members. Effective communication, therefore, is also essential. You also need to be very flexible because of the different personalities that exist among the staff and children. Being flexible and good at time management is important in order to finish the required work in the amount of time that you have. Planning often has to be altered due to changed circumstances that happen in a school day.

Individuals who are able to work with minimal supervision and are able to accept direction will also be well suited to this type of work. A genuine rapport with children is a big plus. You'll need a genuine desire to help children. I get a lot of enjoyment out of helping them. And if you are prepared to put in the effort that is needed in the job, you can expect to get a lot out of it.

For further information, contact:

Department of Education and Children's Services
GPO Box 1152 Adelaide SA 5001
Ph: (08) 8226 1000 or 1800 088 158
Fax: (08) 8226 1951
Email: decscustomers@sa.gov.au
Internet Address: http://www.decs.sa.gov.au

Teachers' Registration Board of South Australia
PO Box 3649, Rundle Mall SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8226 2666
Fax: (08) 8226 2667
Email: info@trb.sa.edu.au
Internet Address: http://www.trb.sa.edu.au