This is a permanent part-time (0.6FTE) position commencing Term 2, 2026
Merriwa Education Support Centre (MESC) caters for primary aged children with an intellectual and/or physical disability. Co-located on the grounds of Merriwa Primary School, we work together to develop a culture of promoting the highest ideals of learning and social interaction in an inclusive setting. We are a warm, friendly, welcoming school where manners, behaviour and personal effort are regarded as important, and the needs of the individual child are placed at the centre of every decision.
We provide highly individualised programs for students with identified disabilities. These programs are prepared by highly experienced specialist teachers following consultation with parents, psychologist, speech, physiological and occupational therapists.
Find out more about our school by visiting merriwaesc.wa.edu.au or Schools Online
The Role
We are seeking an individual who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. Knowledge and expertise in working with a range of disabilities, not limited to Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Global Development Delay, Cerebral Palsy and various medical needs which may require PEG feeding or Epilepsy management are highly advantageous to this role. As the Associate Principal of Merriwa ESC, you should ideally possess a high level of interpersonal skills enabling you to build professional relationships with staff to model and promote a culture of professional performance, providing mentoring and coaching where appropriate. Your interpersonal skills would also be utilised to build partnerships with parents, therapists and within networks and the wider school community
The Associate Principal would collaborate with the Principal to manage curriculum delivery across the school. This would include working closely with staff to ensure consistent, collaborative practices in teaching and learning. A key part of the role would be to drive whole school priorities, including Alternative, Augmentative Communication, and the implementation of the Western Australian Curriculum within a cross-curricular context to enhance learning. Professional knowledge and utilisation of Abilities Based Learning Education (ABLEWA), Special Educational Needs (SEN) planning and online reporting tools is a highly desirable component of this role. Knowledge and experience with Western Australian Curriculum, Kindergarten Guidelines, Early Years Framework and purposeful play-based learning are highly desirable in order to facilitate our whole school curriculum practices in numeracy, literacy and communication. Experience with the use of Team Teach, Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children (TEACCH) and strong behaviour management skills with a trauma informed lens are important for successful teaching practices at Merriwa ESC. Ideally, you should work collaboratively with colleagues in team planning and curriculum policy development.
The Associate Principal would need skills and experiences in the area of student services, providing an effective case management approach to supporting students with diverse needs and disabilities. This would include liaising with external providers as well as working with the special needs education assistants to ensure the academic, behavioural and social emotional needs of our students are met and that they are given authentic opportunities to achieve realistic goals. Experience with accessing disability funding to enhance student achievement opportunities would be a favourable asset.
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 Karen Macri, Principal on (08) 6206 2330 or Karen.Macri@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 Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
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 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
- Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
- High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned 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 capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources.
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/DP1028980
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 Thursday, 5 March 2026
