This is a permanent part-time (0.5FTE) position commencing Term 2, 2025
The School of Alternative Learning Settings is seeking to appoint a dedicated, innovative and team-focussed school psychologist to be based in either Broome or Kununurra from Term 2, 2025.
The School of Alternative Learning Settings was established in 2022 following a successful pilot program (2019-2022) that supported a specific cohort of students who had demonstrated signs of physical aggression and would benefit from a short-term, intensive intervention program. The SALS program 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.
Find out more about our school by visiting sals.wa.edu.au or Schools Online
The Position
We currently have a 0.5FTE permanent vacancy available, plus an additional 0.3FTE fixed term
- Interested in one applicant for the total 0.8FTE position, or a job share arrangement.
- Additional FTE may be available through the region if full-time employment is desired.
- The successful applicant/s have the option to be based in either Broome or Kununurra, with regular travel between the two Schools of Alternative Learning Settings.
- Applicants who desire to work less than 0.8 FTE in one location are also encouraged to apply.
- Both locations attract additional financial incentives outlined below.
Broome
Broome is a vibrant and attractive coastal town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia situated on the traditional lands of the Djugan/Yawuru people nestled within the breathtaking Kimberley region of Western Australia. As a tourist town, Broome is well resourced regarding facilities and services.
A school psychologist with the School of Alternative Learning Settings based in Broome receives total additional financial benefits of $13,679 (adjusted for work fraction)
- $8,351 District Allowance
- $5,318 Attraction and Retention Incentive (approved to 31 December 2026)
Kununurra
Just 45km from the Northern Territory border, Kununurra is the gateway town to the East Kimberley, home to Lake Argyle, El Questro and the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park. Adventure is synonymous with Kununurra, home to lakes, rivers, waterfalls, barramundi and the Ord Valley Muster. You'll be joining a connected statewide team of passionate school psychologists servicing the School of Alternative Learning Settings.
A school psychologist with the School of Alternative Learning Settings based in Kununurra receives total additional financial benefits of $18,167 (adjusted for work fraction)
- $7,436 District Allowance
- $10,731 Attraction and Retention Incentive (approved to 31 December 2026)
The Role
The School Psychologist will be required to work in partnership with the Lead School Psychologist, Program Coordinator, and/or Associate Principal on shared priorities and initiatives to enhance the delivery of the SALS program. The School Psychologist will be required to deliver combined services and support to schools, teachers, families and students to maximise the educational and psychosocial outcomes of students. Your work will involve building and maintaining effective and collaborative working relationships with regional personnel and other specialist teams within and external to the Department of Education with the aim of improved communication to school psychologists and principals outlining the support available for students.
The successful applicant will work as part of a team located at a nominated ALS site. The ALS site will be staffed by a team of teachers with support from two student support officers and in regional areas, a Program Coordinator. The successful applicants 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, team teach, circle of courage, therapeutic crisis intervention in schools and trauma-informed practice.
Learn more about how we support school psychologists on our website: Education WA - School Psychologists
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.
Benefits in this position include:
- 11.5 percent employer contributions to superannuation
- district allowance
- attraction and retention incentive
- subsidised accommodation (conditions apply)
- air conditioning subsidy
- full relocation
For additional information to all allowances and housing please contact Housing and Transport at housing.transport@education.wa.edu.au or on (08) 9264 5154.
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and eligibility requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Matthew Brennan-Jones, Lead School Psychologist, on 0460 008 085 or emailing matthew.brennan-jones@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 or be eligible for provisional or general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
- 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.
Information about registration with the Psychology Board of Australia can be obtained by calling 1300 419 495 or by visiting www.psychologyboard.gov.au.
More information on employment eligibility can be found here and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF) located at the bottom of this advertisement.
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 of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A four (4) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
- Ability to implement school psychology services and programs in an educational environment to maximise student learning outcomes.
- Knowledge of the implementation and evaluation of a variety of psychological approaches appropriate for individual, group and system-level intervention.
- High level written and oral communication skills, demonstrating the capacity to produce correspondence, reports and case notes, and interview and training (facilitation) skills.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills, which demonstrate an ability to function in a self-directed way, and as a member of an interdisciplinary team, working with a range of clients across the lifespan, Department personnel and inter-agency partners across a variety of contexts.
- Ability to apply analytical and conceptual skills to issues identification, risk assessment and analysis, intervention and evaluation.
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: DOE955692
Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our school within the next twelve months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 24 March 2025
