Mackay State High School is seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Head of Student Services (House Dean).

At the heart of our new Vertical House System, each House Dean will lead one of our four Houses, fostering a strong sense of identity, belonging, and pride across students from Years 7-12.

This pivotal role blends visible leadership, student wellbeing, restorative practice, data-driven intervention and student case management, to ensure every student is supported, connected, and engaged in their learning journey.

A strong knowledge of PBL an advantage.

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you!

Job details

This temporary vacancy is open to Expressions of Interest and any extensions to this appointment will not exceed 12 months.

About the Department of Education:

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

Who We Are:

Mackay State High School is proud to be a large and diverse school community. Our mission is to provide educational excellence and diverse pathways for students, based on a culture of inclusion, high expectations and pride.

Our committed and caring staff focus on developing individual students to attain their full potential in academic, sporting, cultural and arts fields. In preparing students to be tomorrow's citizens, our curricula and co-curricula programs are infused with a focus on pathways that meet individual learning needs and career aspirations.

We believe that this is best achieved when teachers, students, parents and the community work together to build positive and supportive relationships.

At the heart of the school are the core values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience and our 3 R's guide all of our practices and expectations for student engagement and support. We have a strong belief in the work we do for our students and the community—hence our vision:
“We Believe … We Achieve, Mackay High Pride!”

Your Opportunity

• Lead the engagement (attendance and behaviour), wellbeing and pastoral care of students in your House (Years 7-12).
• Lead and collaborate case management, attendance, and tier 2 behaviour supports, ensuring all students are known and supported through documented plans and clear communication.
• Implement restorative practices and data-driven strategies to improve student engagement and outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, staff, and community organisations to enhance student opportunities.
• Drive House culture, identity, and pride through events, House Days, and student leadership initiatives.
• Line manage House Coordinators, providing mentoring, coaching, and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and support students requiring targeted intervention, guided by data and referrals.
• Lead Tier 2 behaviour interventions including monitoring cards, goal-setting, restorative conferences, and Reset Room processes.
• Develop Behaviour Support Plans, Discipline Improvement Plans, and Personalised Learning Plans (including NCCD capture).
• Monitor and drive attendance improvement across your House, implementing plans and fostering positive family partnerships.
• Lead behaviour and attendance case meetings, ensuring multi-tiered supports are in place.
• Analyse House-level attendance and behaviour data to contribute to whole-school reporting.
• Conduct classroom observations and coach staff in effective engagement strategies.
• Inspire a culture of Mackay High Pride, ensuring your House is a true source of belonging and identity for every student.
• Lead student wellbeing programs, including House Days, community service, and student leadership.

Please view the role description for a full list of responsibilities.

Submit Your Application:

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
• Attach a 2-page response to the How you will be assessed section of the attached role description.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in the attached role description 

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

Applicants need to be a current Queensland Government employee to be eligible to apply.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 232KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  CQR682738_26E Role Description (PDF, 206KB)
  Role Description