Head of Department

About the School

Coomera State Special School is built on the belief that every child can learn and succeed when provided with a quality education tailored to their individual needs. Since opening our state-of-the-art facility in February 2022, we have been committed to forming strong partnerships with families, staff, and the local community. Together, we strive to create a positive, fun, and nurturing environment where high expectations are the norm. Our goal is to ensure everyone who walks through our doors is excited to be here and engaged in the learning journey. We invite you to explore our website and contact us for more information or any questions you may have.

About the Role

The Head of Department - Student Engagement will be passionate about fostering a collaborative learning culture, supporting teachers and support staff to effectively meet the needs of students through collegial engagement and feedback. Working closely with the Leadership Team, they will guide staff in developing their knowledge and skills to drive school improvement and ultimately achieve student success, all through the lens of the Australian Curriculum and the school's signature pedagogies. As a lead learner, the Head of Department will need strong relational skills to quickly build positive relationships with students, staff, and the wider school community, along with well-developed strategic thinking and analytical skills to contribute to the school's improvement agenda. Experience in leading the implementation of school-wide processes supported by a comprehensive teaching and learning framework is essential, as is a proven track record in enacting the Australian Curriculum, leading the pedagogies of Comprehensive Literacy and Project-Based Learning (PBL), and supporting students with complex communication needs through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Your Responsibilities

As the Head of Department - Student Engagement, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Provide leadership and guidance for the implementation of innovative measures aimed at improving student learning outcomes
Intentionally collaborate and consult with a range of stakeholders, to ensure everyone is goal oriented and focused on student success
Be an active member of the PBL committee
Support and build teacher capacity in trauma informed practices, Essential Skills for Classroom Management, Zones of Regulation, Restorative Practice processes, Tier 2 & 3 strategies and performing functional behaviour assessments
Develop and support the implementation of Individual Behaviour Support Plans and Risk Management Assessments for Tier 2 and 3 students after Functional Behaviour Assessments and consultations.
Lead case management discussions and provide universal supports to staff, enabling the success of every student.
Support transition processes for new students, ensuring both staff and student are supported to facilitate a successful transition.
Share ideas and support the growth of staff capacity to implement evidence-based strategies at a whole of class and individual level.
Collaboratively develop and embed a Staff Wellbeing Framework, supporting staff to have the tools and supports to thrive in a special school context

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) addressing Key Capabilities 1-4 as per Role Description "How you will be assessed" section.
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.
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