Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE722005
Two (2), thirty-six (36) month fixed term, full-time positions commencing January 2022
With around 500 school psychologists in public schools across Western Australia, the Department of Education is the largest employer of psychologists in the State. Over the next four years, we are committed to increasing this by more than an additional 100 psychologists to further support our public schools.
The professional practice of our school psychologists in the eight education regions is supported by more than 35 lead school psychologists, who ensure the effective deployment of school psychologists across 822 public schools. They provide direct advice to the Directors of Education, principals and the system.
The Office of the Chief Psychologist seeks to appoint two (2) lead school psychologists to provide additional support to the North and South metropolitan education regions, but to also fulfil a more targeted state-wide role, including:
- Collegial support to other lead school psychologists in their work, aligned to metropolitan and country regions (with a particular focus on early career leaders and those in regional areas);
- identification and support for emerging trends and complex regional and system issues;
- a proactive and responsive service to regions and the system, including incident management; and
- a focus on quality assurance and professional standards.
These two positions are offered as full-time, although applicants interested in part-time appointment are also encouraged to apply. Similar to other similar system roles, appointment will be for a period of three years (36 months), valuing renewal and recent school and regional experience.
As the successful applicants, you will work alongside the Chief Psychologist, providing direct advice to lead school psychologist colleagues, Directors of Education, and the system in the assessment and response to complex issues and situations. You will also provide critical evaluation on issues impacting on the School Psychology Service and support the quality assurance of all school psychologists to meet the professional standards of the Department and the Psychology Board of Australia.
The positions will be hosted by the North and South metropolitan education regions, with flexibility to be based with the Office of the Chief Psychologist as negotiated. Some travel, including overnight stays to country regions may be required as part of the role.
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 (selection criteria):
The criteria align with Phase 3 described in the Competency Framework for School Psychologists.
- 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
Applications will be assessed against these work related requirements (selection criteria) of the position. The business needs of the region and Statewide Services 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.
For further job related information:
Please contact Chris Gostelow, Chief School Psychologist, by telephoning (08) 9402 6454 or emailing Chris.Gostelow@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 three (3) page statement addressing the Work Related Requirements (selection criteria), in context of the role and business needs of the School Psychology Service. Please specify which location/s you would like to apply for at the beginning of your statement’
- A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position.
- The contact details for two (2) work related referees who can attest to the claims made in your written application, preferably 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 AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
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
- obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check
- 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).
- complete the Department’s induction program within three months of commencement
- complete any training specific to this role required by Departmental policy
- complete the Department’s training in Accountable and Ethical Decision-Making within six months of appointment.
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.
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are advised of the recently announced mandatory vaccination policy for various occupations and workforces in WA. Employees working in, or attending school sites are required to be vaccinated in accordance with the policy. More information can be found at Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for WA workforces.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications must be submitted before 4.30pm (WST) on Monday, 13 December 2021
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE
PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED