We are seeking to establish a pool of Special Needs Education Assistants for permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies which may arise during the 2027 school year and upto the end of Term 4, 2028. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.

Upper Swan Primary School (PS) is in close proximity to the Derbarl Yerrigan and Yagan Memorial Park. We acknowledge our school is built, and our students learn and play on, the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Over the school's more than 115-year history it has grown from servicing a small rural community to currently welcoming around 420 students from the 'Valley' and surrounding urban areas. Many families have multi-generational links to the school and are very proud of their Swan Valley heritage. Respect is central to everything we do at Upper Swan PS. The school’s core values of fairness, safety, kindness and honesty are embedded in school culture, framing positive conditions for learning, high expectations of student conduct and behaviour, and supporting social and emotional development.

Classrooms are inclusive communities of learning where each child is valued, nurtured and belongs. Our highly regarded team ensure every child is provided with learning opportunities and experiences that motivate and engage them. Staff understand excellence in teaching, embody life-long learning and nurture positive connection with stakeholders.

As a member of the Upper Swan PS community, you would be a valued member of a respected school that values you as a caring and highly proficient professional. 

Find out more about our school by visiting upperswanps.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.

The Role

As Special Needs Education Assistant, you would be a key member of our team, ideally working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to support students with complex and diverse learning needs. Suitable applicants should ideally be caring, organised, flexible and committed to understanding each student as an individual.

Under teacher direction, you will ideally:

• Follow detailed daily work pads, individual routines and structured programs consistently.
• Assist with Individual Education Plan (IEP) checklists, goal monitoring and recording student progress and growth.
• Support positive behaviour, regulation and engagement through proactive and student-centred approaches.
• Use and develop visual supports, visual schedules and social stories to support communication, transitions, routines and independence.
• Support the implementation of individual education plans, learning programs and student-specific strategies.
• Support students with complex disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and other diverse learning needs.

A willingness to reflect on your practice, learn from others and engage in professional learning will be highly regarded in continually strengthening your skills and knowledge.

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 Susan Taylor, Associate Principal on (08) 9296 4622 or emailing susan.ferguson@education.wa.edu.au

During the school holidays, please contact Susan Taylor on 0439 937 756 or emailing susan.ferguson@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; and
• A four (4) page statement addressing the 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/SS1065794

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Thursday, 15 October 2026