Education Assistant - Special Needs

About the Role

The Department of Education, Western Australia, is creating a pool of Special Needs Education Assistants (SNEA) for numerous full-time and part-time permanent and fixed-term positions available during the 2026 school year until the end of Term 3, 2027. Appointments may be made at any time for vacancies occurring within this period.

The Mount Hawthorn Education Support Centre, currently based at Mount Hawthorn Primary School, will move to Lake Monger Primary School in Semester 2, 2027. The centre emphasizes high expectations, consistency, and excellence in teaching and learning. It offers an alternative environment aimed at fostering the educational, physical, and social development of students with special needs, promoting greater independence and preparation for future opportunities and responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Work under teacher guidance to support students using a variety of instructional techniques including explicit teaching, TEACCH, Direct Instruction, Team Teach, Key Word Sign, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
• Utilize ICT tools such as computers and iPads integrated across learning activities.
• Support the development of positive behaviours and functional skills among students.

Candidate Profile and Experience

• Knowledge and experience supporting students diagnosed with autism and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Skills in assisting students with complex communication needs through AAC technologies.
• Experience in managing challenging behaviours and supporting students with anxiety or sensory needs.
• Possession of a Certificate IV in Education Support is highly advantageous.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid work visa for the full duration of employment.
• A current Working With Children Check is mandatory prior to commencement.
• Consent to a National Criminal History Check and obtain a Department of Education Screening Clearance Number before starting work.

Application Requirements

• Submit a CV (maximum two pages) detailing employment history and relevant professional learning.
• Provide a written statement (up to three pages) addressing the selection criteria outlined in the Job Description Form.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and effective interaction with students, parents, teachers, and community members.
• Showcase interpersonal skills to contribute to a professional team environment, including providing advice and evaluation for education programs.
• Exhibit ability to assist with implementing and assessing education, special education, and therapy programs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of health and physical disabilities in young people.
• Possess organizational skills to support effective education program delivery and feedback mechanisms.
• Ability to assist with students’ general health and well-being.

Equity and Diversity Commitment

The department values inclusion and seeks a workforce representative of Western Australia's multicultural community, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, youth, individuals with diverse sexualities and genders, people with disabilities, and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Additional Information

For further details and queries, contact the Program Coordinator, Katherine Athanasiou at (08) 9338 0500 or Katherine.Athanasiou@education.wa.edu.au. Applications must be submitted online before 4:30pm (AWST) on Monday, September 7, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered. The selection process includes a four-day breach period.