Program Coordinator - Specialist Learning Program - Autism Spectrum Disorder

Department of Education; City Of Joondalup; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education's SSEND invites applications for a permanent full-time Program Coordinator – Specialised Learning Program (Autism) north location. Based at Padbury hub, you will lead the SLP Autism program, work with an AP and a south coordinator, and drive inclusive education across metro and regional sites.

You will shape system initiatives, build capacity, and partner with stakeholders to ensure high-quality learning outcomes for autistic students.

Qualifications

• Must be registered with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia.
• Must obtain a Working With Children Check before starting.
• Consent to a National Criminal History Check as part of recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership aligned with Statewide Services direction and priorities across SSEND and SLPs.
• Lead operational direction within the SSEN:D community and coordinate with APs, HoSAs and leaders.
• Oversee the SLP Autism program to engage autistic students and improve outcomes.
• Support system-level planning and collaboration across schools and regions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Collaboration

Inclusive education

Job description

This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027. SSEND is seeking a dedicated and passionate leader for the position of Program Coordinator – Specialised Learning Program (SLP) Autism north location. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced educator who is committed to inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming practice and ready to lead system-level work in support of autistic students.

Based at our Padbury hub, the successful applicant will join our established and highly collaborative team including a dedicated SLP Associate Principal and Program Coordinator south, working together to provide strategic and operational leadership across SSEND.

The role offers an opportunity to contribute to broader SSEND priorities while providing leadership and direction to the Specialised Learning Program – Autism and supporting high-quality, contemporary practice across the programs.

The School of Special Educational Needs: Disability SSEN:D is one of eight Specialist Schools within Statewide Services. At SSEN:D we partner with schools to provide collaborative support and resources that promote learning environments where every student’s potential is realised.

Support is provided state-wide through a Request for Assistance model that matches the needs of schools to the skill set of Consulting Teachers. SSEN:D is a school that strives for excellence and is committed to building the capability of teachers and school-based staff within a culture of support to ensure every student with disability is a successful student.

We provide consultancy services to educators, contextualised and evidence informed professional learning, online research, information, resources and practical support in our service delivery model. We encourage our staff to share knowledge and exhibit self-reflective practices with a focus on quality teaching. Self-improvement is supported amongst our staff through a range of Professional Learning Communities.

Our leadership team is spread across North and South metro at 4 hub locations. The successful applicant, although based at our Padbury hub, may be required to travel between the hub locations. The successful applicant will also be required to regularly work across a number of metropolitan and regional locations aligned to SLP locations.

The successful applicant will be required to hold a current and valid 'C' class driver's license. Travel may involve the use of the employee's own motor vehicle. Find out more about our school by visiting www.oneclassroom.wa.edu.au or Schools Online

The Role

As Program Coordinator, you will provide leadership aligned with Statewide Services direction and priorities and directly shape system and Department initiatives both across SSEND and the SLPs.

Working in partnership with SSEND Associate Principals (APs), Program Coordinators and Heads of Service Area (HoSAs), you would lead operational direction within the SSEN:D community, align local practice with Department priorities, and build collaboration across schools and regions.

The SLP itself delivers individualised, neurodiversity-affirming support designed to engage autistic students in their learning, strengthen academic achievement, and build essential adaptive skills.

It is grounded in the Operational Framework for SLPs and in the National Guideline: For best practice in inclusive education for autistic students (Autism CRC, 2026), and targets students at risk of disengagement or underachievement, removing barriers to learning and creating conditions in which students can thrive.

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

Key responsibilities may include:

• Align practice with strategic direction and ensure that approaches reflect system goals, policies, and inclusive education frameworks, including the Operational Framework and the Autism CRC National Guideline.
• Build staff capacity to deliver inclusive, supportive education for autistic students.
• Lead strategic planning and operational management as part of the leadership team.
• Facilitate and oversee whole-school professional learning, coordinate strategic PL initiatives to build system-wide capability.
• Support complex case systems and contribute to high-level planning and problem-solving in complex case pathways, supporting consistency of practice and interagency collaboration.
• Partner with system stakeholders, engage with regions, Statewide Services, external agencies and community groups to support the development and scaling of inclusive practice.
• Support staff capacity to recognise each student's unique strengths, challenges and identity.
• Drive whole-school approaches to inclusivity, engagement, and positive student outcomes.

You will play a pivotal role in establishing effective practice at a systems level. If you are an experienced educator with strong strategic and operational leadership skills, and a genuine commitment to inclusive education for autistic students, we encourage you to apply. All applicants are also encouraged to consider the information in the advertisement when submitting their application.

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. 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.
• 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).

Contact

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Jo Hall, Principal on 08 9402 6185 or [e-mail] During the school holidays, please contact Jo Hall, Principal on 08 9402 6185 or [e-mail]

Advertised Vacancy Number: SS/SA1063724 Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position. The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 5 October 2026