
Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SS892144
This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 2, 2024
Harrisdale Senior High School (SHS) is 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 will ideally 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 will 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.
Harrisdale SHS offers a wonderful opportunity for local students to access a high-quality secondary education close to home. This year, in 2024, the school has an enrolment of around 2200 students in Years 7 to 12.
Harrisdale is a rapidly growing suburb located approximately 28 kilometres south of the Perth Central Business District (CBD). The school is located on Laverton Crescent, adjacent to the City of Armadale's new playing fields and sports pavilion and Harrisdale Primary School.
The school is committed to the intellectual, creative and social development of our students by the provision of stimulating and relevant programs and orderly teaching and classroom practices. Pastoral care and academic achievement are very strong. Community support and parental involvement are cornerstones of our culture.
Harrisdale SHS has a strong, positive culture and as a valued member of our staff you will have a key role in ensuring our school values of Care, Respect and Excellence are reflected and underpin all actions.
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):
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Knowledge of health and physical disabilities in students and adolescents.
- Ability to assist with the general health and well being of students.
Applications will be assessed against these work related (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.
Further information about Harrisdale Senior High School can be found by visiting www.harrisdaleshs.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
Additional information about Independent Public Schools is also available here
For further job related information:
Please contact Danae Jolley, Principal, by telephoning (08) 9397 8000 or emailing Danae.Jolley@education.wa.edu.au
Application Instructions
All applications are submitted online. Select “Apply for Job”, at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions on your screen.
Your application should include:
- A two (2) page statement addressing the Work Related Requirements (selection criteria), in context of the role and business needs of the school
- A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- The 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 these documents completed and ready to attach before selecting “Apply for Job”.
You are asked to complete an online application form and attach your documentation, please allow enough time to complete this process as applications cannot be accepted after the closing date and time.
After you have submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming lodgement. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please telephone (08) 9264 4127.
If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone (08) 9264 8666 for assistance.
Eligibility and training requirements
Employees will be required to:
- provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the vacancy;
- consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit prior to commencement of employment;
- obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check;
- complete the Department’s induction program within three months of commencement;
- complete the Department’s training in Accountable and Ethical Decision-Making within six months of appointment and every three years thereafter;
- complete the Department’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness online course within 3 months of commencement;
- complete any training specific to this role required by Departmental policy.
Education Assistants working with Kindergarten students may be required to have, or be actively working towards, a Certificate lll in Education Support (or approved equivalent) in order to meet the educator-to-student ratio outlined in the National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and Care.
Approved equivalent qualifications are published by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications must be submitted before 4.30pm (WST) on Friday, 3 May 2024.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE
PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.