We are seeking to establish a pool of Speech and Language Officers for permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies which may arise during the 2025 school year and until the end of Term 1, 2026. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.
This pool is an opportunity for you to be considered for speech pathology roles (‘Speech and Language Officer’ roles) within the North Metropolitan Speech Pathologist in Schools Pilot Program and Trials. While supported through the North East Metropolitan Language Development Centre (NEMLDC), suitable applicants will be placed in north metropolitan public schools.
About the Pilot Program/Trials
Do you want to work in schools in an impactful, embedded way, without large KPIs?
Through this pilot/trials, speech pathologists (SPs) are employed to work in Department of Education schools in the North Metropolitan region (mainly primary schools with some education support centres and high schools – SPs can agree to service some schools and not others based on the type of school and school location). SPs work onsite at their school(s) during the term, and work from the NEMLDC over the school holidays.
SPs work within the Response to Intervention model, focusing their attention on tier 1 (whole class) and tier 2 (small group) services through capacity building of teachers, education assistants and parents. Speech pathologists may provide some tier 3 (individual) services, however these are irregular and typically short term or consultative in nature (e.g. observation/assessment, trialing support strategies with a student for the teacher to then implement etc.). Language and literacy tend to be the main focus of SPiS services, however SPs may also work within other areas of practice such as speech sounds and AAC, depending on the school context.
The SPiS role is highly supported, with regular professional learning, collegial support and supervision/mentoring by a senior speech pathologist. The role is great for a healthy work life balance, with SPs typically providing an average minimum of 270 minutes (e.g. 6x 45mins) per week of targeted services during the school terms. These targeted services include: tier 1, 2 & 3 support and intervention; assessment and data analysis; upskilling of and liaison with staff, families and relevant stakeholders (including reporting); resource provision for staff and families. There is potential for SPs to work full 7.5-hour days (most common), or for SPs to work school hours.
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For further information about SPiS can be found by visiting northeastldc.wa.edu.au/about-the-pilot/
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Cindy Stirling, Program Coordinator, on (08) 9218 1600 or emailing cindy.stirling@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 National Criminal History Check with the Department's Screening Unit.
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 being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the 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: IPS/SS934473
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 10 April 2026
