Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE660129
This is a twenty-four (24) month fixed term, full-time position commencing January 2021 with possible twelve (12) month extension and/or permanency
The Department of Education is seeking to appoint a motivated and dynamic Lead School Psychologist, based in Esperance to support the Goldfields Education Region.
As a lead school psychologist you will provide professional leadership and support to a team of dedicated and dynamic school psychologists in the region, based in Esperance, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Ngaanyatjarra Lands. The team comprises school psychology graduates through to experienced officers. Whilst this position is based in Esperance, you will also work collaboratively with the other Goldfields Lead School Psychologist based in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Travel within and external to the region will be required, including overnight stays.
You will be directly accountable to the Director of Education and professionally accountable to the Chief Psychologist, School Psychology Service, with your practice guided and directed by Department policies and guidelines and the Psychology Board of Australia’s (Board) professional standards. The successful applicant will ensure effective deployment of school psychologists and provide direct advice to the Director of Education, Principals and the system in the assessment and response to complex issues and situations, including emergency and critical incident management.
The Lead School Psychologist provides leadership and access to professional support and learning for all school psychologists, including ensuring professional supervision for provisionally registered psychologists to achieve standards outlined in the Competency Framework for School Psychologists. The position assures the quality of all school psychologists’ practice meets the professional standards of the Department and the Board and also leads in the provision of contemporary psychological practices. Broad experience and capacity to provide leadership across all core areas of the service (mental health, learning, disability, behaviour, and emergency and critical incident management) and the ability to provide Board-approved supervision will be advantageous.
The Goldfields education region comprises 38 schools (with an additional eight campuses in the Lands) spread over a vast area of the south eastern corner of Western Australia and incorporates the area along the Great Australian Bight to the South Australian border known as the Nullarbor. The Goldfields region is the largest of Western Australia's regions, with an area of 771,276 km². It is a wonderful place to live and work. The region has a population of about 59,000 people, about half of whom live in the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Another quarter live in the Shire of Esperance with the remaining population spread across the other shires. The economy of the Goldfields sub-region is based predominantly on mining. In Esperance and it’s surrounds, the economy is largely agricultural and farming.
As Western Australia’s largest employer, the Department of Education offers a range of attractive professional and personal benefits including:
- a confirmed lead school psychologist salary of $135,504 per annum;
- 9.25 per cent employer contributions to superannuation;
- eight weeks’ vacation leave (during school holidays);
- 20 days + of other leave, including sick leave and carers’ leave;
- subsidised accommodation and assistance with travel and the transport of furniture, personal effects and motor vehicles where applicable; and
- professional development and career advancement opportunities.
This position is based in the town of Esperance. Esperance enjoys a moderate Mediterranean-like climate all year round. It is a regional port and developing district. The town has a complete range of services including shopping, educational, medical, social and recreational facilities. It is a popular tourist destination, and the area abounds in natural and manmade attractions. The coastline is spectacular and unspoilt. Some of the greatest assets for Esperance are its National Parks and spectacular beaches.
This selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy. Applicants assessed as suitable during this selection process may be considered for other similar vacancies that occur throughout our school for up to 12 months following this initial appointment. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.
To be suitable for this role, you will need to demonstrate the following work related requirements
- Highly-proficient skills and the application of scientific practitioner models that contribute to system-level understandings and decision making.
- Application of exemplary specialist knowledge and skills and the provision of leadership in the development of programs and interventions.
- Ability to clarify and communicate complex concepts and provide feedback and critical evaluation on the school psychology profession, system policy, direction and operation.
- Leadership of strategic partnerships to build capacity, influence systemic policy and undertake interventions and prevention programs.
- Leadership and engagement in a variety of professional activities that indicate critical self-reflection, flexibility, exemplary practice and the development of learning communities.
Further information about this position can be found in the attached job description form (JDF).
Applications will be assessed against these work related requirements (selection criteria) of the position. The business needs of the school may also be considered. It is therefore recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information before applying for the vacancy.
The Department is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and persons from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.
Further information about schools in the Goldfields Education Region can be found on Schools Online.
For further job related information:
Please contact Ann Lord, Senior School Psychologist for further information about this employment opportunity, including information about living and working in Esperance, by telephoning 0417 918 095 or emailing Ann.Lord@education.wa.edu.au
Application Instructions
All applications are submitted online. Select “Apply for Job”, at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions on your screen.
Your application should include:
- A five (5) page statement addressing the Work Related Requirements (selection criteria), in context of the role and business needs of the school
- A CV of up to five (5) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- The contact details for two (2) work related referees (one being your current line manager)
It is recommended you have these documents completed and ready to attach before selecting “Apply for Job”.
You are asked to complete an online application form and attach your documentation, please allow enough time to complete this process as applications cannot be accepted after the closing date and time.
After you have submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming lodgement. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please telephone (08) 9264 4127.
If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone (08) 9264 8666 for assistance.
ELIGIBILITY
Employees will be required to:
- provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the vacancy;
- obtain a current Department of Education Criminal Record Clearance prior to commencement of employment; and
- obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check; and
- hold an appropriate degree or equivalent qualification which entitles general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA); and
- hold a recognised qualification in teaching (minimum one year); or
- hold a Graduate Diploma in School Psychology (or equivalent); or
- have undertaken a minimum placement of 40 days in the school education sector as part of higher degree studies in psychology; or
- have worked a minimum of three years full-time (or equivalent part-time) as a school psychologist (or equivalent position).
Employees are required to have achieved Advanced Skills School Psychologist status for permanent appointment to this position.
Information about registration with the Psychology Board of Australia can be obtained by calling 1300 419 495 or by visiting www.psychologyboard.gov.au. Please see the Department’s Careers website for the support provided to graduate school psychologists undertaking provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
TRAINING
Employees will be required to:
- complete the Department’s induction program within three months of commencement;
- complete any training specific to this role required by Departmental policy; and
- complete the Department’s training in Accountable and Ethical Decision-Making within six months of appointment
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications must be submitted before 4.30pm (WST) on Monday, 30 November 2020
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE
PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED