Education Assistant - Special Needs

We are seeking to establish a pool of Education Assistants - Special Needs to join our Specialised Learning Program: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Learning Enrichment Centre for permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies which may arise during the 2026 school year. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.

Ashdale Secondary College (SC) is a distinctive, world class, educational community of excellence where all students are motivated to strive to achieve their best and to realise their potential in a values-rich environment. The focus of the college is on student engagement and wellbeing so that they always feel valued. The college measures its effectiveness through the achievement and character of our students and the integral part it plays in the community. A partnership founded on strong relationships between students, teachers, parents, and the community is the enduring platform upon which the college is built.

At Ashdale SC there is a clear focus on high standards of student achievement. Our purpose is to ensure that all students at Ashdale SC leave school well prepared for their future and have opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to achieve their individual potential and play an active part in civic and economic life.

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

The Role

Suitable applicants will ideally be innovative team players with well-developed behaviour management skills. Applicants will ideally be committed to enhancing the learning opportunities for all students. Staff work with students to develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence. Special Needs Education Assistants will work under general supervision and guidance and perform under limited direction while also having involved judgement in achieving clearly defined outcomes as determined by the teacher. They will ideally be able to apply techniques, skills and knowledge of relevant principles and practices acquired through previous experience, on the job learning, or relevant qualification.

Ashdale SC caters for students with a number of disabilities and support needs and our staff work across all year levels, programs and with all students. Suitable applicants should ideally have experience across a range of Learning Difficulties, Specific Learning Disorders, and disabilities in a secondary school environment, combined with a flexible and friendly approach with good interpersonal skills. Applicants should display a deep commitment to developing positive and productive relationships. The role may assist teachers in advocating for understanding students and be involved in collaborative processes evaluating special education programs. Suitable applicants will work closely with the classroom teacher and under instruction, assist in supporting teachers with general class requirements.

Suitable applicants may be considered for a position to support students through the Learning Enrichment Centre or the Specialist Learning Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Applicants will ideally have considerable understanding of ASD. Suitable applicants will ideally support Teachers to implement evidence-based practice and pedagogy to meet the needs of students with ASD without a diagnosed intellectual disability in the program, as well as assist Teachers in mainstream classes. In collaboration with Teachers, Education Assistants implement highly personalised learning plans to facilitate access to age-appropriate curriculum. Under limited direction, Education Assistants should apply evidence-based individualised programs that improve academic engagement, organisational skills, social thinking, peer relationships and self-regulation skills.

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 Renee Tyler, Program Coordinator – Specialised Autism Learning Program, on (08) 6207 1300 or emailing renee.tyler@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 five (5) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• A three (3) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
  • Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills, including report writing and the ability to effectively interact with students with special needs, and liaise with parents, teachers and community members and assist teachers in understanding students where necessary.
  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills with the ability to contribute to a professional team and provide advice and evaluation in the development of the education program, including special education and therapy programs where they have been implemented.
  • Demonstrated ability to assist professionals in the implementation and evaluation of education programs, including special education and, if required, occupational and/or physiotherapy programs.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of health and physical disabilities in students and adolescents.
  • Demonstrated effective organisational skills that will assist in the delivery of effective education programs and subsequent feedback and evaluation to teachers or psychologists.
  • Demonstrated ability to assist with the 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/SS1007649

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

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 21 November 2025