This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 4, 2026

The School of Alternative Learning (SALS) is seeking to appoint a teacher for a permanent position at the Kununurra site.

The SALS program was originally established in early 2019 to target a specific cohort of students who present with complex and challenging behaviour and would benefit from a short-term, intensive intervention program. At the commencement of the 2022 academic year the program was consolidated as a standalone school. SALS delivers specialised activities and learning programs that build students’ social skills and self-regulation in environments designed to effect positive and lasting change in their behaviour. The program has the capacity to provide access to specialists such as paediatricians, clinical psychologists, or consultation with psychiatrists.

There are 13 SALS sites located in the metropolitan and regional education regions of Western Australia (one of which is our SALS Administration located in Padbury). Students are provided with an intensive, individualised program of support while they continue their education. There is a strong focus on developing students’ social skills and ability to self-regulate. Learning and engagement is flexible, codesigned with students, culturally responsive and supports self-determination and interpersonal connection.

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

The Role

The successful applicant will work as part of the SALS team located in Kununurra. The setting comprises of a Program Coordinator and a small team of Teachers with support from a Student Support Officers, and/or Aboriginal Student Support Officer and a School Psychologist. The successful applicant will ideally have experience and credibility in student engagement and transitions, case management, social and emotional learning program development, a background in student support and current professional learning, or the capacity to undertake targeted professional learning in areas such as De-escalation and Positive Handling, Team Teach, Reclaiming Youth and Risk (Circle of Courage), Therapeutic Crisis Intervention in Schools and Trauma-Informed Practice.

We are looking for dedicated teachers who are looking for a challenge and can work effectively in a small team environment, using their communication skills in engaging with and making a difference for students in the areas of wellbeing and engagement. Your skills in developing and implementing an individualised learning curriculum that meets the social and emotional needs of students will be highly valued and practical knowledge of the Circle of Courage universal needs model, Project Based Learning and Two Ways of Learning would be advantageous. Teachers also support individual learning plans utilising an integrated curriculum approach.

The successful applicant may need to hold and maintain a valid WA driver’s licence as they may be required to; transport students in lease or hire vehicles and travel to schools within the Kununurra Educational Region. Additional travel may be required to support other sites and the ability to travel to Perth to attend professional learning which may include air travel and overnight stays will be required. 

Professional Benefits

Working for the Department of Education you will enjoy a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, training and career development opportunities and attractive leave provisions. Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.

School of Alternative Learning Settings located in Kununurra in 2026 will receive up to an additional 

$13,730 per annum. Note that additional payments are gross, per annum amounts, and will be adjusted for tenure and work fraction. The payment is a separate benefit and does not form part of the employee’s contract of employment.

Relocation expenses will be provided, please refer to the Department of Housing and Transport. housing.transport@education.wa.edu.au.

Want to know more?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Nicole Maurer, Associate Principal on 0436 926 195 or emailing nicole.maurer@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:

• hold an eligible teacher qualification and registration.
• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment. More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website.
• apply for a WA Working with Children Check before you start; and
• consent to and obtain a National Criminal History Check with the Department's Screening Unit.

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online.

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

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

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include:

• A statement of up to four (4) pages, demonstrating your Professional Knowledge, Professional Practice, and Professional Engagement aligned with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and the context of the position and school.
• A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before you start your application.

For tips on writing your best teaching job application and more information about working for the Department of Education, go to the Department’s Careers Page or see our applicant resource attached.

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/TCH1062606 

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

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

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on  Thursday, 1 October 2026.