Specialist Attendance Liaison

Department of Education

Sydney NSW (Hybrid)

Student Services (Education and Training)

Full time

113,574 to 125,720 per year

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners to from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

Ongoing Full-Time 35 hours per week + time in lieu flexible working arrangements

Please note: This is a full-time role, and you will be required to work a minimum 4 days per week either in an identified education office location or delivering face to face support in schools.

About the role

Lead complex casework that supports vulnerable children and young people to re-engage with education, often where attendance issues are persistent and engagement is challenging.

You will work directly with students, families and schools to identify barriers to attendance, build trust with disengaged students and their families, and coordinate support to improve outcomes. In addition to managing complex matters, you will provide guidance and support to Attendance Liaisons and schools, helping to strengthen practice and ensure consistent, effective approaches across cases.

This is a highly engaging, relationship-driven role where no 2 days are the same. You will work flexibly across schools and communities, travelling to meet students and families and adapting your approach to meet individual needs.

Lead complex casework to support students with significant attendance challenges

Engage resistant or disengaged students and their families using persistence, empathy and influence

Influence and coordinate responses across stakeholders to drive accountability and outcomes

Facilitate collaborative planning and shared accountability across schools and agencies

Provide expert guidance and build capability across Attendance Liaisons and schools to improve practice and outcomes

Analyse data and trends to inform interventions, improve practice and support system-level planning

Support re-engagement in school or appropriate education pathways

For further information please click here to view the role description.

About you

Build trust and engage families experiencing complex challenges with empathy, respect and consistency

Communicate with sensitivity while confidently influencing behaviour change

Remain calm, resilient and professional in complex or emotionally challenging situations

Show persistence when working with disengaged or resistant families

Navigate complexity with sound judgement and an outcomes-focused mindset

Work collaboratively while maintaining autonomy and accountability

Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Essential requirements of the role

A diploma, degree or higher in social work, community services, youth work, education, psychology, counselling, or a related human services field.

Current and valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance for paid employment.

A current and valid driver’s license and an ability and willingness to travel between work sites.

Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

35 hour working week

Competitive, salary sacrificing, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays and leave conditions

Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the department to support your career growth

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

Targeted questions

As part of your application, please respond to the following targeted questions (maximum 300 words per question):

Describe your experience working with children or young people and their families experiencing complex or persistent disengagement, including the strategies you used to improve engagement and outcomes.

Describe how you have influenced or guided others (e.g. colleagues, schools or stakeholders) to improve practice or achieve better outcomes for children or young people.   

As part of the application process, you will be asked to select your preference/s from the following education office location/s: Adamstown, Albury, Armidale, Arncliffe, Batemans Bay, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Campbelltown, Coffs Harbour, Deniliquin, Dubbo, Forster, Glenfield, Goonellabah, Grafton, Griffith, Macquarie Park, Maitland, Miranda, Moree, Murwillumbah, Newcastle. Nirimba (Quakers Hill), Orange, Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan, Ringrose (Greystanes), Riverwood, St Peters, Tamworth, Tuggerah, Wagga Wagga, Warilla

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience, insights and alignment with the department’s values and priorities.

Closing date Sunday, 17 May 2026 at 11:59pm.

NOTE: Never make payment to any employer, person, company, contractor or agency to get hired for a Job.

For role enquiries, contact swsworkforceplanning@det.nsw.edu.au and for recruitment process enquiries, contact Natalie at projectrecruitment@det.nsw.edu.au