Job Description: Bilingual School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) – Study Tour Support

Position title: Bilingual SLSO (Study Tour Support)

Duration: 03/08/2025 - 07/08/2025 
Work context: International Study Tour / Cultural Exchange Program
Reports to: Study Tour Coordinator / International Student Coordinator (and delegated supervising executive)

Role purpose

The Bilingual SLSO supports visiting study tour students and host staff to ensure the day-to-day program runs smoothly, safely, and respectfully. The role focuses on student support in classrooms, communication support through translation, and contributing to a positive cultural exchange experience for all participants.

Key responsibilities

Student support and supervision

• Support visiting students to follow the daily schedule and meet expectations across school settings.

• Provide active supervision during transitions (arrival, recess/lunch, class changes, assemblies, excursions as required).

• Promote student wellbeing by checking in with students, identifying concerns early, and escalating issues to supervising staff.

• Support behaviour and engagement through clear, calm guidance aligned with school expectations.

Classroom and learning support

• Assist visiting students in classes by clarifying instructions, supporting participation, and helping students access learning tasks.

• Encourage respectful classroom routines and support students to interact appropriately with teachers and peers.

• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers to provide practical in-class support.

Translation and communication support

• Provide bilingual support (oral and written, where appropriate) to facilitate clear communication between visiting students, staff, and program coordinators.

• Support students to understand school routines, safety expectations, and key information.

• Assist with interpretation during briefings, check-ins, or wellbeing conversations, as directed.

Program operations

• Support the smooth running of the study tour timetable (attendance checks, movement between activities, punctuality).

• Assist with logistics such as meeting points, group counts, and communication between supervising staff.

• Contribute to a welcoming environment and assist with cultural exchange activities (introductions, buddy sessions, workshops, performances, or school tours).

Safety, wellbeing, and duty of care

• Follow school policies and procedures (including child protection, WHS, and risk management).

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.

• Respond to minor incidents using agreed processes and promptly report concerns to the supervising teacher/executive.

Required skills and capabilities

• Bilingual proficiency (spoken and written) in English and Japanese, with confident interpersonal communication.

• Ability to build rapport with adolescents and support engagement, inclusion, and wellbeing.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to follow a schedule in a dynamic environment.

• Team-oriented approach and ability to work collaboratively with teachers and support staff.

• Calm, proactive approach to problem-solving and managing student needs in busy settings.

Desirable

• Experience working in schools or youth settings.

• Experience supporting students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

• Familiarity with NSW public school procedures (where applicable).

Professional expectations

• Demonstrate respect, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism at all times.

• Be punctual, visible, and proactive throughout the program.

• Participate in briefings/debriefs and contribute feedback for continuous improvement.

Key deliverables (during the tour)

• Consistent student support in classes and throughout the day.

• Clear and timely communication/translation support as needed.

• Safe supervision and smooth transitions between program activities.

• Positive contribution to cultural exchange and student experience.