Head of Special Education Services (H01) - Hampden State School - Special Education Program

Job Description

The Head of Department, Special Needs should demonstrate strong leadership in inclusive educational practices, fostering quality learning outcomes for all students, while building productive relationships that ensures access to the curriculum. This position is a cluster position based at Hampden State School.About Us Hampden State School is located on the Bruce Highway 30 kilometres North of Mackay and caters for students from prep to year 6. Hampden State School prides itself on offering excellence in teaching in a friendly, well resourced and attractive environment. Hampden State School's 80 pupils generally live within a ten kilometre radius of the school, often on small acreage lots, or from neighbouring Marian.About The Role The successful applicant will have the leadership responsibilities of: Leading a dynamic and motivated Inclusion team Collaborating with the Principal, HOD C, and GOs as an active Leadership Team member. Oversee RAR model, funding, inclusion budget, and timetabling. Manage inclusion agenda, NCCD coordination, and data collection. Maintain Personalised Learning Records (PLRs) and OSS snapshots. Liaise with regional support staff, AVTs, and allied health professionals. Develop, review and help implement Individual Health Management Plans and procedures. Participate in the school's curriculum team and regional HOSES Network. Participate in enrolment interviews for students with disabilities (SWD). Support teachers in making reasonable adjustments and inclusive pedagogy. Facilitate and deliver professional development and training for staff. Coordinate case management and connect staff to specialist support. Collaborate with the Principals to develop individualised behaviour plans and risk assessments for SWD. Manage data collection for NCCD students and support provisions on OneSchool. Assist with transition planning (pre-prep, Year 6 to secondary schools, school camps). Lead parent communications and strengthen school partnerships. About You Must have skills and experience:Ability to inspire, motivate, and manage a diverse team of professionals. Understanding of inclusive education principles and the RAR model. Experience with NCCD processes, data collection, and funding applications. Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with a cluster of schools, school leadership, teachers, staff and external stakeholders. Ability to liaise with allied health professionals, regional support staff, and parents. A strong understanding with inclusive pedagogy and differentiated teaching strategies as part of V9 of the Australian Curriculum. Ability to support teachers with adjustments to meet diverse student needs. Strong critical-thinking skills for case management, behaviour plans, and risk assessments. Proactive approach to addressing student needs and supporting transitions. Clear, compassionate communication skills for parent engagement. Nice To Have Experience working with inclusive education teams. Familiarity with transitions and event coordination. Experience mentoring staff in inclusive practices beyond formal training sessions. Understanding of neurodivergent learning profiles and trauma-informed practices. Confidence with data management tools and digital platforms for tracking student progress. Interested? To Apply: Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history) Attach a 1-page written statement about how your achievements and capabilities meet the requirements of the role. 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.When working in regulated employment an employee must have a current Working with Children Clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services.Salary rate shown is reflective of full-time (1.0 FTE).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 #J-18808-Ljbffr