We currently have the following positions available, commencing in Term 2, 2026
- 1 x permanent, part-time (0.6FTE) position
- 1 x thirty-six (36) month fixed term, full-time (1.0FTE) position. A lower FTE can be negotiated with the successful applicant.
School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS)
The Role
The School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) is seeking to appoint 2 dedicated and dynamic Lead School Psychologists to join the leadership team.
The SALS program was originally established in early 2019 to target a specific cohort of students who present with complex and challenging behaviour 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 13 SALS sites located in the metropolitan and regional education regions of Western Australia (one of which is our SALS Administration located in Padbury). Students are provided with an intensive, individualised program of support 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.
At the School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) we empower positive youth development by fostering strong developmental relationships and social emotional learning within safe, connected and culturally responsive environments to support young people to achieve their goals.
The School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) provides targeted, individualised support programs for WA school students who have been excluded or are at high risk of exclusion for complex and challenging behaviours. SALS delivers specialised experiences and learning programs through a model of positive youth development that builds students’ social skills, emotional regulation and sense of self. A key focus of the SALS program is co-designing learning and exploring a meaningful future with supported transition into the student’s most appropriate pathway following the completion of a short-term customised program.
Our model supports:
- Students to engage in self-awareness to build positive relational responses.
- Students to feel safe and thrive within an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment.
- Building students understanding of and experience with developmental relationships to re-establish positive engagement.
- Families to reconnect and strengthen the home-school partnership to assist student transition.
- Identification and facilitation of the most appropriate and meaningful education or employment related pathway that meets each student’s needs.
Find out more about our school by visiting SALS.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
Find out more about Alternative Learning Settings by viewing our Video
The Role
The Lead School Psychologist will be responsible for providing leadership and line management and contribute to the ongoing program design and development, as well as support the strategic direction and management of the SALS program across all education regions in Western Australia (WA). The successful candidate will build the capability of the SALS school psychologists and staff to implement appropriate programs, interventions, and responses to complex cases. In addition, you will help to further develop and inform our student data recording processes. The SALS model is grounded in both the Reclaiming Youth at Risk (Circle of Courage) philosophy and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention in Schools (TCIS-2)
The SALS Psychology team services all 12 SALS sites and covers all regions of Western Australia. Service is delivered flexibly both in location and in a Fly in/Fly Out capacity. The Lead School Psychologist position plays a vital role in consultation regarding student complexity to both School Psychologists and Associate Principals.
The role of LSP in SALS is highly embedded in the Executive Leadership team including a high level of responsibility for delivering Strategic Directions of the school. In addition to this, the SP team is embedded across all strategic portfolios of the school, therefore a high value and demand is placed on consulting, supporting and developing the SP in this area. Your work will be managed by the principal. You will need to hold and maintain a current WA drivers’ licence.
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. SALS also maintains a school psychology HUB location in Wattle Grove. As Lead School Psychologist, you would be based flexibly across both locations as negotiated with the successful candidate. Advanced Skills School Psychologist (ASSP) status is required for permanent appointment to a lead school psychologist position.
This selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy. Applicants assessed as suitable during this selection process may be considered for other similar vacancies that occur throughout our school for up to 12 months following this initial appointment. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.
To be suitable for this role, you will need to demonstrate the following work-related requirements (selection criteria):
The criteria align with Phase 3 described in the Competency Framework for School Psychologists.
- Highly proficient skills and the application of scientific practitioner models that contribute to system-level understandings and decision making.
- Application of exemplary specialist knowledge and skills and the provision of leadership in the development of programs and interventions.
- Ability to clarify and communicate complex concepts and provide feedback and critical evaluation on the school psychology profession, system policy, direction and operation.
- Leadership of strategic partnerships to build capacity, influence systemic policy and undertake interventions and prevention programs.
- Leadership and engagement in a variety of professional activities that indicate critical self-reflection, flexibility, exemplary practice and the development of learning communities
Applications will be assessed against these work-related requirements (selection criteria) of the position. The business needs of the school may also be considered. It is therefore recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information before applying for the vacancy.
The Department is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and persons from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.
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.
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 Nicole Lambert, Principal, School of Alternative Learning Settings on 9402 6324 or emailing 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:
- hold or be eligible for 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;
- 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;
- have achieved Advanced Skills School Psychologist status for permanent appointment to this position.
Information about registration with the Psychology Board of Australia can be obtained by calling 1300 419 495 or by visiting 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 four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- Evidence of Advanced Skills School Psychologist status if applying to the permanent position.
- A four (4) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
- A contact details for two (2) work related referees who can attest to the claims made in your written application, preferably one being your current line manager.
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: DOE1029854
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 Friday, 13 March 2026.
