Head of Department

2 days ago

Waterford West, Queensland, Australia 500c650d-0acc-4e26-8bc2-397036fdc656 Full time $104,000 - $150,000 per year

Are you passionate about creating calm, consistent and supportive environments where students can thrive?

Waterford West State School is seeking 3 compassionate and strategic Heads of Department - Student Engagement to lead our whole-school behaviour response and support systems across our three sectors.

You will guide proactive and restorative approaches that build safety, belonging and accountability with supporting students to reflect, re-engage and succeed in learning every day.

About Waterford West State School

Located in the heart of Logan, Waterford West State School is a diverse and vibrant learning community representing more than 50 cultural backgrounds. Guided by our values of Learning, Respect and Responsibility, we ensure every child is known, valued and cared for.

Our improvement agenda focuses on three key pillars – a culture of teaching and learning, a culture of belonging, and a culture of engagement – each designed to strengthen student connection, safety and success.

Your Role

As the Head of Department – Student Engagement, you will lead sector-wide behaviour response, attendance, and engagement initiatives that ensure every student feels safe, supported and ready to learn. A Head of Department - Student Engagement is being recruited for each of our P/1, 2/3/4 and 5/6 sectors.

You will guide the development and implementation of consistent, proactive, and restorative approaches that promote positive behaviour, belonging, and academic success.

This position reports directly to the Sector Deputy Principal and plays a key leadership role in developing staff capability, coordinating support systems, and strengthening community partnerships that enhance student wellbeing and achievement. The position is a member of the Leadership Team. The role is employed under the Head of Department - Student Engagement role description.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and guidance in implementing effective measures that improve behaviour, engagement, and attendance—particularly for students from diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Monitor individual student behaviour, performance and attendance, and coordinate targeted, evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes.
  • Build teacher capability in proactive, trauma-aware, and restorative practices that promote calm, predictable, and inclusive classrooms.
  • Communicate and collaborate with parents, community organisations, and external agencies to support positive student engagement and successful transitions.
  • Embed socially just and inclusive practices in school operations, ensuring equity, belonging, and high expectations for all learners.
  • Analyse and report on engagement and attendance data to inform school planning and continuous improvement.
  • Manage human, financial, and physical resources aligned to student engagement and wellbeing priorities.

About You

  • You are a compassionate, solutions-focused leader who believes behaviour is learned and that every interaction is an opportunity to teach. You bring:
  • Deep understanding of positive behaviour frameworks, restorative practices, and trauma-aware approaches.
  • Strong interpersonal and coaching skills to build trust, capability, and collective consistency among staff.
  • The ability to develop, lead, and evaluate engagement strategies that strengthen connection, attendance, and learning outcomes.
  • A collaborative mindset that fosters partnerships between students, families, and community agencies.

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.

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