Guidance officers are teachers with specialist training and qualifications in guidance, counselling and psycho-educational assessment. They work on a district or school basis, assisting students achieve to their potential in the most appropriate educational setting.
This involves working with students and their parents or caregivers, often in conjunction with teachers, specialist support personnel and other community agencies. Guidance officers identify factors that can be barriers to learning and development, and plan or assist in planning interventions or programs that can help students achieve positive outcomes.
Activities of a guidance officer may include:
- assessing students' developmental levels and abilities
- considering educational adjustment
- assessing students' placement and specialist support needs
- assisting students in adjustment to new settings
- providing personal counselling in relation to individual safety and crisis management
- helping students manage relationships and behavioural difficulties.
Angus McGarva is the Guidance Officer at Woody Point. He can be contacted through the office on 3480 4333 to make an appointment.