Program Coordinator - Specialised Learning Program - Autism

Department of Education, Western Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Leave provisions

Job summary

Samson Primary School in Western Australia is seeking a dedicated Program Coordinator for the Specialised Learning Program (SLP) Autism to lead the SLP-A team and advance inclusive education.

The role focuses on strategic planning, operational management, and collaboration with staff to support autistic students and improve outcomes.

Applicants should be experienced educators with strong leadership and a commitment to creating respectful, safe learning environments.

Qualifications

• Experience leading autism/SLP programs.
• Strong strategic and operational leadership.
• Commitment to inclusive education.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership within the SLP and across the school.
• Build staff capacity to deliver inclusive, supportive education for autistic students.
• Lead strategic planning and operational management as part of the senior leadership team.
• Drive whole-school approaches to inclusivity, engagement, and positive student outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Inclusive education

Team leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Teacher Registration WA

Job description

This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 At Samson Primary School, we work together to create a respectful, safe and inclusive learning environment where every student is supported to achieve their potential. Serving students from Kindergarten to Year 6, our school is recognised for its collaborative culture, strong community partnerships and commitment to inclusive education. Guided by our RISE values of Respect, Inclusivity, Safety and Self-Awareness, we strive to ensure all students experience belonging, engagement and success. Samson Primary School is proud to host a well-established Specialised Learning Program - Autism (SLP-A). The SLP-A provides individualised, neurodiversity-affirming support for autistic students without intellectual disability, promoting academic achievement, social and emotional development, communication, self-advocacy and wellbeing. Students are valued members of the school community and participate in learning alongside their peers in mainstream classrooms, with access to specialised supports as required. The program is underpinned by evidence-informed practice, strong family partnerships and collaborative planning to ensure each student's strengths, interests and support needs are at the centre of decision-making. A key priority of the school is strengthening inclusion and collaboration between the SLP-A and mainstream settings to maximise engagement, participation and outcomes for all students. The successful applicant would lead the SLP-A team and provide strategic, instructional and operational leadership to enhance inclusive practices, build staff capability and improve outcomes for autistic students. Find out more about our school by visiting Samson Primary School or Schools Online.

The Role

Samson PS is seeking a dedicated and passionate leader for the role of Program Coordinator - Specialised Learning Program (SLP) Autism. This exciting opportunity is perfect for an enthusiastic individual committed to supporting the holistic development of autistic students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), enabling them to achieve their full potential.

The SLP provides individualised, neurodiversity-affirming support designed to engage students in their learning, enhance academic achievement, and foster the development of essential adaptive skills. Targeting autistic students at risk of disengagement or underachievement, the program aims to remove barriers to learning and create an environment where students can thrive.

As Program Coordinator you will lead your team to implement the following key elements:

• Tailored plans focus on building organisational skills, social cognition, positive peer relationships, and emotional self-regulation.
• Dedicated SLP homerooms led by skilled teachers and education assistants who use evidence-based approaches to support students.
• Neurodiversity-affirming strategies aligned with the "National Guideline: For supporting the learning, participation, and wellbeing of autistic children and their families in Australia" (Autism CRC, 2022).
• Support across the school setting, ensuring consistent strategies that recognise each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and identity.

As the Program Coordinator, you will take a key leadership position, collaborating closely with staff to ensure the program’s success. You will:

• Provide professional leadership within the SLP and across the school.
• Build staff capacity to deliver inclusive, supportive education for autistic students.
• Lead strategic planning and operational management as part of the senior leadership team.
• Drive whole-school approaches to inclusivity, engagement, and positive student outcomes.

You will play a crucial role in establishing and developing this important program. If you are an experienced educator with a passion for creating inclusive learning environments and have strong strategic and operational skills, we encourage you to apply.

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.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

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.

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 appointment.
• hold registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
• obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a National Criminal History Check with the Department's Screening Unit.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website or in the attached application package.

Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 23 October 2026