We are seeking to establish a pool of Education Assistant - Special Needs for permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies which may arise during the 2026 school year and up to the end of Term 1, 2027. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.
Clifton Hills Primary School (PS) is an Independent Public School (IPS) located in the Kelmscott foothills. We have a strong commitment to offering innovative and best practice educational programs. We offer a busy and vibrant workplace filled with passionate people who care about what they do. We have an evolving culture of continuous review and improvement. We support opportunities to develop your skills as a valued member of our team in our child focussed learning environment.
Find out more about our school by visiting cliftonhillsps.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
The Role
As a Special Needs Education Assistant, you should have the ability to work independently and use your initiative to assist the teacher in maintaining routines and expectations and supporting the delivery and implementation of planned education programs. You will ideally be adaptable and flexible, able to think on your feet and thrive in a fast‑paced environment. The role requires someone who can assist colleagues as needed, contribute positively as a team player, and display a strong capacity to build and maintain professional relationships.
You will support students to co‑regulate and de‑escalate when required, advocating for their needs while maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality and strong communication with staff.
Some of the skills and attributes desired to be successful in this role include experience dealing with complex behaviours, working with individuals or small groups of students, and reporting student progress and achievement to the teacher. Experience with trauma‑informed practice and mental health, as well as a sound understanding of a range of disabilities, is highly valued.
In addition, our ideal candidate will ideally display:
- Knowledge of, and ability to implement, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies to promote engagement and emotional safety.
- Familiarity with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Documented Plans, including assisting with implementation, monitoring and feedback.
- Effective collaboration with specialist staff (e.g., speech pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists) to support multidisciplinary approaches.
- Commitment to inclusive education, supporting access and participation in mainstream classroom settings.
- Capacity to assist with social–emotional learning (SEL), helping students build resilience, communication and self‑regulation skills.
- Competence with basic digital tools to record observations, track progress and communicate with staff.
- Reflective practice, openness to feedback and participation in professional learning.
- Where relevant to the specific position, ability to assist with physical support tasks (e.g., mobility support, personal care routines) and safe supervision during transitions.
- Confidence supervising and supporting students across classrooms, playgrounds, specialist areas and during breaks and transitions.
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 Michelle Harrison, Deputy Principal by telephoning (08) 9234 7800 or emailing Michelle.Harrison2@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 Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
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 two (2) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A three (3) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
- Demonstrated good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to interact with students with special needs, parents and teaching professionals on the provision of educational programs, and to assist teachers in understanding students where necessary.
- Demonstrated good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team in the evaluation of educational programs, including special education and therapy programs where these have been implemented.
- Demonstrated good organisational skills that will assist in the delivery and development of effective education programs to students and subsequent feedback to teaching professionals or psychologists.
- Demonstrated ability to assist teachers or therapists in implementing educational programs, including special education and, should this be a requirement of the position, occupational and/or physiotherapy programs.
- Demonstrated knowledge of health and physical disabilities in students and adolescents.
- Demonstrated ability to assist with general health and well-being of students.
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/SS1031430
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
