Yarrabah State School is seeking applications for a Head of Department - Student Services to join our culturally rich and diverse school community. This is a temporary full-time position until 11 December 2026, unless otherwise determined.

In this key leadership role, you will work collaboratively across our three campuses to lead and coordinate student support services that promote engagement, wellbeing and successful learning outcomes for every student. Working closely with school leaders, teachers, families, community organisations and external agencies, you will develop and implement evidence-informed strategies that respond to the diverse academic, social, emotional and behavioural needs of students.

Job details

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

About Us:

Yarrabah is located 57 km south east of Cairns, over the Murray Prior Range. Yarrabah State School is a P-10 school comprising of three separate campuses, a pre-prep, primary and secondary department. The pre-prep is located 500 m from the primary campus and the secondary department is located 3.8 km from the primary campus. In addition, a special education unit is located at the primary school.

Students enrolled at the school live in the community proper or in the outlying areas including Reeves Creek, Mourigan, Oombunji Creek and Back Beach. Most students walk to school or ride a bike. Students in the outlying areas catch the school bus operated by the Yarrabah Council. Students at Yarrabah are currently all Indigenous.

Yarrabah State School has a strong whole-school focus on building positive relationships and creating safe, inclusive learning environments. Our approach is underpinned by evidence-informed, trauma-aware practices and a commitment to culturally responsive education that values the strengths, identity and aspirations of our students and community.

About the Role:

As the Head of Department - Student Services, you will provide strategic leadership in the areas of student wellbeing, behaviour support, attendance and inclusion, while supporting staff capability through coaching, collaboration and professional learning. You will play a pivotal role in strengthening partnerships with families, community stakeholders and external agencies to ensure coordinated and responsive support for students.

This is an exciting opportunity for a relational and values-driven leader who is passionate about supporting students, building staff capability and contributing to the continued success of a vibrant and unique school community.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to;

• Lead student engagement and achievement initiatives by implementing innovative strategies to improve learning outcomes, attendance, wellbeing, and successful transitions for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or new arrivals.
• Build collaborative partnerships and inclusive practices by working with families, school staff, higher education providers, community organisations, businesses, and external agencies to support students' academic, social, and emotional success.
• Strengthen school systems and staff capability by providing data-informed advice, preparing reports, supporting school leaders and teachers with effective engagement and intervention strategies, and embedding socially just practices across the school.
• Ensure effective governance and resource management by applying relevant legislation and departmental policies while managing human, financial, facilities, and curriculum resources to achieve school priorities and improve student outcomes.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position. 

How to apply:

• Please submit a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history); and
• A 2-page response to the How you will be assessed section of 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. 

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.

• Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  FNR696993_26E - Role Descriptioon (PDF, 272KB)
  Role Description