Applying to be an ATSO
Assisted Travel Support Officers (ATSOs) are departmental employees who provide additional supervision and support for students on transport.
Prospective applicants must complete an ATSO expression of interest (EOI) form (PDF 306.46KB) and return all completed documentation to the Assisted School Travel Program (ASTP).
Please refer to the ATSO EOI infographic (PDF 148.34KB) for assistance with completing the form.
As part of the EOI process, applicants will have to complete the Working with Children Check (WWCC). This is mandatory for anyone working with children. Applications for a WWCC number cost $80.
Mandatory training
Upon receipt of the WWCC number, EOI applicants will need to proceed with the free online anaphylaxis e-training provided by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. This online course is essential for all NSW Department of Education employees working with children.
After completing the course, the certificate can be printed and attached to the EOI application. The certificate does not need to be signed by a supervisor.
To help ATSOs in their role, ASTP facilitates training in:
- child protection
- code of conduct
- anaphylaxis
- e-Emergency care
- cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
To ensure that all ATSOs are aware of and comply with policies, procedures and relevant legislation concerning eligible students on assisted school travel, the ASTP provides mandatory training throughout the year.
These training sessions take place in the form of face-to-face presentations, workshops and webinars. Please check the tentative ATSO training schedule for the dates and locations.
On occasions, students cannot be transported until the appropriate training of the ATSO has taken place (ASTP will advise).
Schools are responsible for facilitating individual health care training for ATSOs as needed. Schools are also responsible for providing a copy of the health care or behaviour plan to each ATSO. The plan is to be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Schools also provide individual training and briefings on the specific travel support needs of students on transport.
ATSOs are expected to participate in training in order to improve their skills. ATSOs must be 18 years old, physically able, have good communication skills, be respectful and understanding of students with disability, and be able to work collaboratively with others.
Application process
The EOI application process can take several weeks given the various checks that are undertaken. It is essential that all information is fully completed.
ASTP will formally advise applicants if they have been successful and provide information on whether they will be on a relief list or commencing work on a transport run. Identification cards will also be issued.
Forms
The following forms are relevant to ATSOs and should be used in conjunction with the program guidelines and policy documents:
- ATSO expression of interest form (PDF 306.46KB)
This expression of interest form is to be submitted to the ASTP by applicants who wish to be considered for engagement as an ATSO. - Personal and bank account details form (PDF 226.92KB)
This form is to be completed by ATSOs to enable the department to make payments to their financial institution. - Proof of identity
As part of the department's initial screening process, ATSOs are required to provide four identity documents when lodging their expression of interest with the ASTP. - Declaration for child-related work: Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (PDF 198.12KB)
This form must be completed by all persons applying for paid employment (child-related positions) with the NSW Department of Education and contractors seeking engagement with the ASTP. This process forms part of the department's national criminal history check requirement. - Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check: application and informed consent form (PDF 1796.98KB)
All persons who are employed or engaged in child-related work are required to undergo the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
