Applicants from the previous process IPS/SS992419 who were assessed as suitable are not required to reapply.

We are seeking to establish a pool of Special Needs Education Assistants for permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies which may arise during the 2026 school year and up to the end of Term 3, 2027. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.

Wirrabirra Education Support Centre (ESC) is a welcoming and inclusive school catering for students from Kindergarten to Year 6 with a range of intellectual and physical disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our dedicated staff provide individualised programs in a safe and supportive environment, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Sharing a campus with Wirrabirra Primary School in Gosnells also enables our students to engage in meaningful integration opportunities with their mainstream peers.

Find out more about our school by visiting Wirrabirra ESC or Schools Online.

The Role

Wirrabirra ESC is committed to providing a learning environment where students are given every opportunity to reach their individual potential. We focus on helping students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to become responsible members of a changing society. Values are embedded throughout all aspects of learning, and great care is taken to ensure students learn in the most appropriate environment for their needs.

We are ideally seeking enthusiastic and positive team members who enjoy working in a collaborative and inclusive team. As a Special Needs Education Assistant, you would support the delivery of specialised education and therapy programs under teacher direction, including ABLEWA (Abilities Based Learning and Education, Western Australia), the Western Australian Curriculum, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Physiotherapy programs. You will also provide feedback on student progress and contribute to the evaluation of individual goals in special education.

Experience supporting students with special needs is highly desirable, including skills in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), discrete trial training, Direct Instruction, Key Word Sign, TouchChat, alternative communication strategies (both electronic and paper-based), information and communication technology (ICT) tools such as iPads and interactive whiteboards and effective behaviour management strategies. Suitable applicants would benefit from our supportive and inclusive workplace, with excellent opportunities for professional learning and growth.

Join our passionate team and make a real difference every day in the lives of our students.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Julie Dawson, Principal on (08) 9234 6850 or emailing Julie.dawson@education.wa.edu.au.

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include:

• A CV of up to four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position; and
• A three (3) page statement addressing selection criteria 2, 4 and 5 as outlined in the attached JDF
  • 2. Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills with the ability to contribute to a professional team and provide advice and evaluation in the development of the education program, including special education and therapy programs where they have been implemented.
  • 4. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of health and physical disabilities in students and adolescents.
  • 5. Demonstrated effective organisational skills that will assist in the delivery of effective education programs and subsequent feedback and evaluation to teachers or psychologists.

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria outlined in the attached JDF assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SS1061528

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 24 August 2026