Head of Department

About the School
Here at Ipswich State High School, we pride ourselves on being able to deliver a high quality education across academic, vocational, cultural and sporting domains. We focus on our students' personal strengths and using our Zones of Behaviour we enable them to excel in their chosen domain by focussing on staying in the Green Zone and understanding how the Zones can be applied in real-life. Our students are also prepared for a life after school through an individualised approach to their learning, including a major focus on their social and emotional well-being. This, as well as their acquired skill-set, ensures they are not only ready to work, but work ready. Ipswich State High School has a dedicated Student Wellbeing Faculty that aims to develop a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment through the provision of individualised student support. We are acknowledged to be one of the leading schools in the Metropolitan Region in promoting and developing the importance of Diversity and Inclusion for all students. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting those students struggling with mental health concerns, refugee families and others who also come from a non-English speaking background, Young Mums, and those who identify as being a member of the LGBTIQ+ community. Our innovative approach to teaching and learning sets us apart from other local high schools. About the Role
The position of Head of Department - Student Services at Ipswich State High School involves the overall management of two year levels as well as the collaborative line management, with two other Heads of Department, of five Student Wellbeing Officers and several teachers' aides. The work will involve managing trauma-related issues and close liaison with families, carers, and a number of external agencies as well as students. A good knowledge of Behaviour Theory, in particular the Berry Street Education Model, is highly recommended. Other duties will include the strategic leadership of the alternate learning programs, transitions, and behaviour management associated with their year level cohorts.
As Head of Department - Student engagement, you will have responsibility for leading the following:

- Provide leadership and guidance for the implementation of innovative measures aimed at improving student learning outcomes and attendance in schools where a significant percentage of students may have a disadvantaged background, ensuring quality learning outcomes for all students.
- Where requested, prepare all data returns for the Principal.
- Provide management and engagement strategies including induction activities of new arrivals, and advise on specific academic, social and emotional needs of new arrivals.
- Monitor students' individual performance and behaviour and develop and implement intervention strategies where necessary.
- Communicate and work with parents, staff, higher education institutes and State Schools Division to develop strategies to improve learning outcomes, student achievements and attendance.
- Work with and provide tools for the school leadership team, Head of Departments, Year Level Coordinators, Guidance Officers and teachers to utilise in relation to student achievement and attendance.
- Develop and implement community engagement strategies and programs with other organisations.
- Liaise with external agencies (for example, indigenous support agencies) to support new arrivals and their families through integrating them into the new environment, and incorporating the holistic needs of new students including academic, social and emotional.
- Embed socially just practices in daily school life through leadership in relation to student attendance and improved academic outcomes.
- Understand the legislation and policies that impact on schooling especially in relation to students and staff.
- Manage the human, financial, facilities and curriculum resources of the school department to achieve goals.

For a full list of mandatory requirements please see the attached role description.

**Interested? To apply**:

- Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (one of whom should be your current supervisor)
- Attach a maximum 2 page written response outlining your suitability for the role referring to the key capabilities 1-4 identified in the attached role description.

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.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.