We are seeking to establish a pool of Education Assistant - Special Needs 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.

John Tonkin College, stands as a pillar of public education in the heart of Mandurah, fostering a nurturing learning environment that inspires students to strive for excellence. Named after John Tonkin, one of Australia's longest-serving politicians, our college embodies his values of fair play, hard work, tolerance, and quality education.

Our mission, 'We Believe, We Empower, We Succeed,' underscores our commitment to excellence in teaching. We challenge and support our staff and students to reach their potential, guided by our core values of Respect, Excellence, and Commitment.

Find out more about our school by visiting John Tonkin College or Schools Online.

The Role

As a Special Needs Education Assistant, you will work under the direction of teaching staff to support the delivery of educational programs and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.

Education Assistants support teachers in implementing planned programs that enable students to develop their academic skills, social and emotional capabilities, physical skills and digital and technological literacy. The role will also involve providing feedback on student progress and contributing to the review and evaluation of individual education and support programs.

We are seeking applicants with strong interpersonal skills who can work collaboratively within a team to support diverse student needs.  Experience or understanding of working with students with a range of disabilities and additional learning needs is highly regarded, along with the ability to support both academic engagement and positive classroom participation.

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 Che Heeley, Deputy Principal on (08) 9583 0500 or emailing che.heeley@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 three to four (3-4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position; and
• A three to four (3-4) 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/SS1062186

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

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 7 September 2026