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 2027 school year. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.

Willetton Senior High School (SHS) is one of the largest schools in Western Australia, with a student population in excess of 2700, approximately 230 teaching staff and 145 support staff on campus. At the centre of Willetton SHS is our vastly diverse student population, drawn from diverse geographic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Willetton SHS is the school of choice for many local and international families, and relationships between the school and community are actively nurtured and valued. Our success stems from our emphasis on superior learning experiences, with our school defining and celebrating success as achievement of personal best.

Guided by the belief in every student's potential, Willetton SHS prioritises safe and inspiring environments for both learners and educators. Through nurturing self-worth and community contribution, our school values of care, respect and excellence are imparted upon our students to shape a positive culture known as the "Willo Way." With a commitment to holistic development, Willetton SHS offers selective programs in Basketball and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), along with a range of opportunities designed to enrich students’ academic experience. Our curriculum encourages social responsibility, contribution to community and practical skills essential for life beyond school.

There is a strong focus on pastoral care at Willetton SHS and our staff are exemplary practitioners committed to creating balanced, challenging and exciting learning environments that foster a lifelong love of learning and empower students to take responsibility for their educational journey. We provide and encourage opportunities for personal and professional growth for our staff, supporting our commitment to delivering engaging and purposeful learning environments.

Find out more about our school by visiting Willetton Senior High School or Schools Online.

The Role

As a Special Needs Education Assistant, you will work collaboratively with teachers and other staff to support the delivery of inclusive and engaging educational programs that promote student success and wellbeing. Education Assistants operate within the school's Learning Area Education Assistant Model and should display flexibility and a willingness to work across all Learning Areas, including Health and Physical Education.

In this role, you will assist teachers in implementing planned educational programs to support students in achieving their full potential through the development of academic, social, emotional and physical skills. You will contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of student progress by providing feedback on educational programs and supporting the achievement of identified learning goals.

Successful applicants will ideally possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and display the ability to work collaboratively with teachers, education assistants, families, students and external service providers. Experience supporting students with a diverse range of disabilities, learning difficulties and complex needs is highly desirable. Applicants should be committed to fostering student independence, participation and engagement across a variety of educational settings.

The role ideally requires a willingness and capacity to support students in a wide range of school-based and off-site learning environments. This may include participation in excursions, camps, sporting carnivals, workplace learning opportunities and outdoor education activities such as bike riding, canoeing, hiking and other experiential learning programs. Applicants should be comfortable supporting students in active environments and assisting with the implementation of appropriate risk management, safety and supervision requirements.

Suitable applicants would display initiative, adaptability and effective problem-solving skills while maintaining positive and supportive relationships with students, staff and families. You should work as part of a collaborative team that advocates for and promotes equitable access, inclusion and successful outcomes for all students.

Under limited direction, you would coordinate and support the effective implementation of educational programs both within the school and during off-site activities. You should liaise with teachers and relevant stakeholders to ensure consistent, high-quality support is provided across learning environments and that students are actively engaged in all aspects of school life.

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 Zoe Colkers-Thring, Program Coordinator, on (08) 9334 7200 or emailing zoe.colkers-thring@education.wa.edu.au.

During the school holidays, please contact Kerry Date, Manager Corporate Services on 0450 492 738.

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 two (2) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position; and
• A three (3) page statement addressing the selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
  • Demonstrated good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to interact with students with special needs, parents and teaching professionals on the provision of educational programs, and to assist teachers in understanding students where necessary.
  • Demonstrated good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team in the evaluation of educational programs, including special education and therapy programs where these have been implemented.
  • Demonstrated good organisational skills that will assist in the delivery and development of effective education programs to students and subsequent feedback to teaching professionals or psychologists.
  • Demonstrated ability to assist teachers or therapists in implementing educational programs, including special education and, should this be a requirement of the position, occupational and/or physiotherapy programs.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of health and physical disabilities in students and adolescents.
  • Demonstrated ability to assist with general health and well-being of students.

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/SS1062487

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

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Thursday, 22 October 2026