Head of Special Education Services

An exciting opportunity now exists to join a committed and connected leadership team at Ipswich East State School, where inclusion, equity, and community are at the heart of everything we do. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head of Special Education Services to lead the delivery of high-quality, student-centred support for students with disability in a setting that embraces complexity with compassion and innovation.

If you're ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference, apply now and become part of a team that is transforming education through care and connection.

About The School

Ipswich East State School, established in 1958, is an inclusive community where every child thrives. With specialist lessons in PE, Music, and German, plus a growing Instrumental Program, the school nurtures talent and growth. Dedicated support services ensure all students' needs are met, empowering success in a positive environment.

About The Role

As the Head of Special Education Services, you will join a committed and connected leadership team at Ipswich East State School, where inclusion, equity, and community are at the heart of everything we do. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced leader to guide the delivery of high-quality, student-centred support for students with disability in a setting that embraces complexity with compassion and innovation. Our school is proud to be a leader in community collaboration. Through our pioneering Health Hub, we became the first school in Queensland to contract a paediatrician, therapists, and external providers on site to support students and families with their health needs.

The ideal candidate will recognise that leadership in inclusion starts with strong relationships, a broad and informed perspective, and a deep belief in what is possible for every student.

Your Responsibilities

As the Head of Special Education Services, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead schoolwide inclusion culture and practices, supporting approximately 60% of our student population identified through the NCCD process.
• Navigate and respond to the high complexity and vulnerability within our school community through inclusive, trauma-aware, and student-focused practices.
• Coach and collaborate with classroom teachers to design and implement curriculum adjustments, access strategies, and student-centred planning that supports engagement, progress, and wellbeing.
• Work shoulder-to-shoulder with families, therapists, and community services to ensure students receive holistic, wraparound support both within and beyond the school gates.
• Coordinate and quality assure the development of Personalised Learning Plans, ICPs, Behaviour Support Plans, and other supports aligned with legislative and departmental expectations.
• Model, lead and embed inclusive practices that uphold the dignity of every child and ensure all students belong, participate and achieve.
• Provide expert advice and leadership in behaviour support, disability provisions, and inclusive education processes.
• Be a visible, values-driven leader—supporting staff, advocating for students, and contributing to whole-school leadership and improvement.
• Deep knowledge of inclusive education, disability legislation, and the NCCD process.
• Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable students and families, ideally in complex settings.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with students, staff, families, and external stakeholders.
• Strong instructional leadership and a capacity to coach and mentor others in inclusive and trauma-aware practice.
• Organisational and administrative skills to manage casework, compliance, and program delivery.
• A belief in the potential of every child and the perspective to see complexity as an opportunity, not a barrier.
  
  

Please refer to the attached role description for the full list of responsibilities and mandatory requirements for this position.

Interested? To Apply

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).
• Attach a written statement (2-page maximum) in response to the attached role description.
• Attach a copy of the mandatory requirements outlined in the attached role description
  
  

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace. Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies.

Occupational group Education & Training
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