Education Assistant - Special Needs

Department of Education; City Of Karratha; On-site; AUD 56,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Karratha Senior High School is seeking a committed Education Assistant - Special Needs to support students with disabilities across Years 7–12. The role involves assisting teachers with resources, implementing individualised education plans, and helping students reach their goals within an inclusive classroom environment.

Experience with special needs and knowledge of evidence-based strategies (PBIS, ABA, ASDAN) are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
• Sound understanding of evidence-based learning and behaviour management strategies.
• Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBIS), Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and ASDAN is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with preparing resources and programs that meet learning needs of students with disabilities.
• Provide effective feedback on education and therapy programs and participate in evaluating student goals.
• Contribute to development and implementation of Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and curriculum differentiation.
• Support students in classroom, work placements, and community activities to promote inclusion.

Skills

Experience with special needs

Special needs education

PBIS/ABA/ASDAN knowledge

Organisational skills

IT proficiency

Tools

Information Technology

Job description

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. 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 [phone] or emailing [e-mail]. During the school holidays, please contact Samantha Smith on 0428 893 051 [e-mail].

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

• 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).

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SS1066521. Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 23 October 2026.