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 and 2027 school year. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.

Towards Tomorrow - Creating a successful future for all!

At Karratha Senior High School (SHS) we empower every student to embrace opportunities, build resilience, and contribute positively to society.

Karratha SHS is an independent public school for students from Years 7 to 12. We pride ourselves on delivering quality education to a diverse population of approximately 1270 students who live in Karratha and surrounding towns. Our well-maintained facilities create an inviting and inclusive environment for all students. Our diverse team of educators, range from enthusiastic graduates to Level 3 classroom teachers and Senior teachers. The school has developed a strong local reputation for over 50 years for producing responsible, engaged, compassionate young people who graduate to become contributing members of our society.

Karratha SHS offers excellent programs for students to pursue music, drama, art, sport and outdoor education. Our state-of-the-art Technologies building provides excellent facilities for students to learn valuable skills for careers in trades industries. Our Health and Physical Education (HPE) department is located in the Karratha Leisureplex and our students benefit from a co-location arrangement with the City of Karratha.

Our school has 4 priority areas which drive our day-to-day operations:

• Conditions for learning: Maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment to support students’ learning, wellbeing and engagement 
• Curriculum and teaching: Support high-quality teaching and learning in all classrooms
• Build staff capability: Identify, develop and support our workforce through consistent, high-quality leadership
• Strong community partnerships and relationships: Enhance engagement practices with parents, families, community stakeholders and external agencies

We are committed to teaching and learning excellence in every classroom. Our whole-school instructional model ensures consistent, high-quality teaching that supports all students to achieve success and pursue their aspirations. We aim to create an environment where students are challenged, engaged, and supported with their learning. With a focus on explicit teaching, teachers provide clear, consistent and purposeful lessons across all year levels to reduce variability and ensure every student experience high-quality instruction in every classroom. Formal and informal instructional coaching and support is provided to all teachers.

Find out more about our school by visiting karrathashs.wa.edu.au and more about Karratha by viewing the video below.

The Role

Education Assistant - Special Needs are responsible for assisting teachers with preparing resources and programs that meet the learning needs of students with disabilities and to encourage these students to reach their individual goals. They should also be able to provide effective feedback when required on education and therapy programs besides actively participating in the evaluation process relating to the achievement of student’s individual goals. Applicants with experience in working autonomously or with limited supervision, along with a commitment to fostering positive, respectful and productive relationships, is highly regarded.

Suitable applicants should possess experience supporting students with special needs and a sound understanding of evidence-based learning and behaviour management strategies. Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support, Applied Behaviour Analysis and the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) is highly desirable. Experience supporting students in classroom settings, work placements and community-based leisure and recreation programs is also valued. Strong organisational skills, initiative and proficiency in information technology (IT) would be highly regarded.

At Karratha SHS, we value dedicated Education Assistants who are committed to providing individualised support for students in Years 7–12 with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, sensory impairments, physical disabilities or severe mental health disorders. Knowledge of person-centred planning approaches and experience supporting the development and implementation of Individualised Education Plans is highly regarded. This includes curriculum differentiation, social competency, health care, self-management and mental health support, with a shared commitment to helping every student achieve their full potential.

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 Samantha Smith, Manager of Corporate Services on (08) 9182 6900 or emailing samantha.smith2@education.wa.edu.au.

During the school holidays, please contact Samantha Smith on 0428 893 051 samantha.smith2@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 one (1) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position; and
• A one (1) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF

3. 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.
4. 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.

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria outlined in the attached JDF assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process.

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/SS1066521

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

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 23 October 2026