This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 4, 2026

Harrisdale Senior High School (SHS) is one of the largest and fastest growing secondary schools in Western Australia, with more than 2,400 students across Years 7 to 12, approximately 180 teaching staff and 70 support staff. Now in our tenth year, we have grown quickly in both size and reputation while holding to our commitment to Excellence Everywhere. We draw students from diverse cultural, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds into a learning environment built on high expectations, aspiration and achievement.

Harrisdale SHS was named one of four state finalists for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (Secondary) in the WA Education Awards in both 2025 and 2026. That recognition reflects strong academic performance, high-impact teaching and a genuine commitment to the intellectual, creative, social and personal development of every student. Underpinning that is dedicated pastoral care, active community engagement and our values of Care, Respect, Responsibility and Excellence.

Our comprehensive Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) program sits alongside high-quality General and Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways, so students can pursue the destination that suits them. Specialist programs include Gifted and Talented (GAT), the Harrisdale Extension Academic Program (HEAP), and specialised Music and Sport programs in Cricket, Netball and Volleyball, supported by a wide range of clubs, teams and enrichment opportunities that extend students at state, national and international level.

We are proud of the culture built over our first decade, and teachers are central to it.

Find out more about our school by visiting Harrisdale Senior High School  or Schools Online.

The Role

Harrisdale SHS is ideally seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Education Assistant – Special Needs to join their team of dedicated staff.

The Education Assistant – Special Needs will, under teacher direction, assist with the implementation and delivery of specialised education programs such as occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy. The Education Assistant will also assist with implementing individual student or small group programs/demonstrations and assist teachers in the delivery of planned education programs, including the operation of computers and digital technologies. Additionally, when required, the Education Assistant will provide feedback on education and therapy programs and participate in the evaluation process relating to the achievement of goals in special education.

The successful applicant should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with staff across the whole school to create and maintain a supportive, inclusive education program to meet the specific needs of the students. They would need to be organised and able to use initiative to assist the teacher with the general care and well-being of students and maintenance of the learning environment. It is desirable for applicants to have knowledge of or experience working with students with special needs in a mainstream environment.

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 Kirsten Dowd, Associate Principal on (08) 9397 8000 or emailing Kirsten.nangle@education.wa.edu.au.

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at schoolsrecruitment@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period.

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 three (3) 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/SS1063267

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, 24 September 2026