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.

Southwell Primary School (PS), located in Hamilton Hill, is a small Kindergarten to Year 6 school serving a diverse community. Our size allows staff to know their students well, work closely with colleagues and make a visible contribution to the life and direction of the school.

Our motto is: Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day and we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment where every child is known, supported and challenged to succeed. Aboriginal students form a significant part of our school community and strong relationships with students, families and community are central to our work. Positive behaviour is supported through a whole-school PBS approach that builds consistency, explicitly teaches expectations and acknowledges positive choices.

Southwell PS is a school where strong educators can make a genuine difference. We recognise that successful learning begins with relationships, engagement and readiness to learn. Our Support Services Hub provides an additional layer of support, with an engagement officer, social worker and wellbeing officer working alongside staff to strengthen connections with students and families.

Find out more about our school by visiting southwellps.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.

The Role

Suitable applicants will assist teaching staff in the delivery of planned education programs and in promoting a supportive and inclusive learning environment. They will work under general supervision and autonomously under the direction of teachers, contributing advice and expertise, and collaborating with school community members to support student achievement.

Ideally, suitable applicants should be committed to enhancing students’ learning opportunities through ongoing reflective classroom practice as well as plan and engage in professional learning opportunities which includes collaboration with colleagues. The ideal applicants would also contribute to maintaining a positive team environment.

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 Paula Vardy, Principal, on (08) 9236 9400 or emailing paula.vardy@education.wa.edu.au.

During the school holidays, please contact Paula Vardy on 0418 944 388.

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:

CV and nominated Selection Criteria

• 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 following 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.

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: SS/SS1065886

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

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 26 October 2026