This is a 12-month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 2, 2025 with possible extension (12 months) and/or permanency
The School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) program was originally established in early 2019 to target a specific cohort of students who had demonstrated signs of physical aggression and would benefit from a short-term, intensive intervention program. At the commencement of the 2022 academic year the program was consolidated as a stand-alone 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 12 SALS sites located in the metropolitan and regional education regions of Western Australia. Each setting accommodates up to 10 students who are provided with an intensive, individualised program of support, within the learning opportunities of small groups, 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, co-designed 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 Program Coordinator – Operations collaborates with the Principal and leadership team to provide educational and professional leadership, embedding and promoting the school’s vision while building staff capacity. They apply effective change strategies, develop school networks, and establish community partnerships to enhance service integration, benefiting students in the program. Additionally, they facilitate workforce effectiveness by modelling self-development and professional growth.
In this role, the Program Coordinator contributes to the school’s strategic direction through participative decision-making, assisting in policy development, and maintaining efficient administrative and operational systems. They ensure the program operates effectively within Departmental policies and guidelines, oversee the delivery of specialised learning programs, and manage key administrative responsibilities. You will ideally display skills in leading whole school pedagogy and systems that are culturally responsive. You may be involved in student referral and intake processes including engagement with families. Knowledge of student pathways and transition will be desirable experience in this role. You will have the opportunity to work with our sites across the metropolitan area as well as leading practice across our whole school. Strong engagement with Principals, Deputy Principals, Heads of Department, specialist staff, and the wider school community is essential.
SALS staff believe in a collaborative team environment, sharing common goals and resources in supporting students, schools, and parents. In collaboration with the Associate Principal, the Program Coordinator will offer support to existing professional learning communities and look for opportunities to inform new teams based on our strategic direction and so all staff can contribute to our school.
The SALS is part of the network of specialist schools that operate under the Statewide Services pillar of Service Delivery. Our main school office administration is located at the Statewide Services centre, in Padbury. This role has the ability for you to have dual headquarters south of the river as you will provide site-based support across our Rockingham and Wattle Grove sites. You may also have the opportunity to provide operational direction with other program coordinators at our regional sites.
The successful applicant may be required to travel, within the Metropolitan and wider Education Regions, across our school to support regional sites and engage in professional learning, including overnight stays and air travel. This role will also require the successful applicant to hold and maintain a valid WA driver’s licence.
The position also involves managing staff leave entitlements in line with Industrial Instruments and Department policy, ensuring accrued leave is cleared within a reasonable timeframe. The Program Coordinator oversees staff performance in accordance with the Public Sector Performance Management Standard and may undertake a teaching role if 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.
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Nicole Lambert, Principal on (08) 9402 6324 or Nicole.Lambert3@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.
- hold registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
- obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
- consent to a National Criminal History Check with the Department's Screening Unit.
More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website or in the attached application package.
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 (1) being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV of up to four (4) 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
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning practices and the ability to apply evidence based practices to the Program.
- Demonstrated highly developed leadership skills, including the ability to effectively manage teams and deliver positive outcomes.
- Demonstrated professional knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure a high-level of educational outcomes for all students, (e.g. Aboriginal students, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and students with special needs).
- Demonstrated highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated high level conceptual and analytical skills with the proven ability to provide solutions to complex problems and solutions.
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: SS/SA958695
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 Tuesday, 25 March 2025
