There are two permanent, full-time positions available, commencing in Term 1, 2025
The Department of Education is seeking to appoint two motivated and dynamic leaders to the position of Lead School Psychologist for the Kimberley education region.
Two full-time (1.0 FTE) positions are available, one in each of the following locations:
Our Region
The Kimberley education region offers 23 public schools with a total of 5,250 students, which vary from large urban-style schools to schools in small remote Aboriginal communities.
Though the region is sparsely populated and many places considered remote, it is incredibly rich in culture and a highly rewarding experience for those passionate about education. Here you will find natural wonders, prolific wildlife, and the opportunity to be a part of a community and immerse yourself in local Aboriginal knowledge.
The Kimberley’s population of over 39,000 is made up of predominantly young people, with Aboriginal people representing almost 50% of the population, compared to 2.5% of the nation’s population.
Schools play important roles in many communities, giving you the opportunity to work closely with the community and their young people to achieve positive student outcomes.
About the Role
As a Lead School Psychologist, you will provide professional leadership and support to a dedicated and dynamic team of school psychologists across the Kimberley region, based in Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Kununurra. The team comprises a mixture of graduate (provisional) and experienced psychologists. You will work collaboratively with the other Lead School Psychologist in the region in developing the team of school psychologists and leading the professional development and practice standards across the team. Travel within and external to the region will be required. The ability to provide Psychology Board of Australia approved supervision would be advantageous.
As Lead School Psychologist, you will be directly accountable to the Director of Education and professionally accountable to the Department’s Chief Psychologist, with your practice guided and directed by Department policies and guidelines and the Psychology Board of Australia’s professional standards. The successful applicants will be responsible for providing leadership and access to professional support and learning for all school psychologists, including ensuring professional supervision for provisionally registered psychologists to achieve standards outlined in the Competency Framework for School Psychologists. The position assures the quality of all school psychologists’ practice meets the professional standards of the Department and the Board and also leads in the provision of contemporary psychological practices. Broad experience and capacity to provide leadership across all core areas of the service (mental health, learning, behaviour and disability) is required. Additionally, the successful applicants will provide direct advice to the Director of Schools, Principals and the system in the assessment and response to complex issues and situations, including incident management.
Advanced Skills School Psychologist (ASSP) status is required for permanent appointment to a Lead School Psychologist position. Candidates with and without ASSP status are encouraged to apply to this position. If there is no suitable candidate with ASSP status identified, a candidate without ASSP status will be considered for a 12-month fixed-term period only.
Candidates with ASSP status who are eligible for permanent appointment may negotiate for a three (3) year placement, which would enable you to return to your substantive Department of Education role at the end of the three (3) year term. This arrangement would need approval from your line manager, so you are encouraged to discuss this with them before applying.
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.
For additional information to all allowances and housing please contact Housing and Transport at housing.transport@education.wa.edu.au or on (08) 9264 5154.
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 Paul Bridge, Regional Executive Director on (08) 9192 0800 or emailing Paul.Bridge@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; and
- consent to a National Criminal History Check with the Department's Screening Unit.
Employees are required to 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 www.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 five (5) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A five (5) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
- Demonstrated highly-proficient skills and the application of scientific practitioner models that contribute to system-level understandings and decision making.
- Demonstrated application of exemplary specialist knowledge and skills and the provision of leadership in the development of programs and interventions.
- Demonstrated ability to clarify and communicate complex concepts and provide feedback and critical evaluation on the school psychology profession, system policy, direction and operation.
- Demonstrated leadership of strategic partnerships to build capacity, influence systemic policy and undertake interventions and prevention programs.
- Demonstrated leadership and engagement in a variety of professional activities that indicate critical self-reflection, flexibility, exemplary practice and the development of learning communities.
- Evidence of Advanced Skills School Psychologist status (if held)
- Your interest in either (or both) positions – Broome and/or Kununurra
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: DOE929208
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 Monday, 11 November 2024
