We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly capable Head of Department (Curriculum) to provide strategic leadership and drive excellence in teaching, learning and curriculum development across our school. This is a temporary full-time position commencing 21 January 2027 until 10 December 2027, unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About Queensland Children's Hospital School

The Department of Education is committed to developing and implementing a statewide continuum of educational delivery to ensure that students with chronic health and/or complex mental health conditions receive specialised and appropriate educational support at all stages of their illness. Queensland Children's Hospital School (QCHS) leads this work and has school-education programs in 25 hospitals and health sites across Queensland, catering for students in Kindy to Year 12 from all schooling sectors (state, Catholic and independent).

Students are affected by hospitalisation, as a patient or family member, or attending a long-term mental health treatment program. QCHS supports students, through a trauma-informed lens, to continue in their education and have a seamless transition back to school or onto another learning pathway. QCHS implements the Australian Curriculum, catering for each student's individual needs, and works closely with students' base schools to ensure continuity of learning and successful transitions. QCHS is a Department of Education school and follows policies in line with other Queensland state schools. More information about QCHS can be accessed at www.qchschool.eq.edu.au.

About the role

The Head of Department currently leads the teaching teams, including curriculum implementation, at two campuses in Cairns. The Head of Department works collaboratively within the school's leadership team, who are located throughout Queensland, to deliver strategic initiatives for hospital education programs across the state.  Additional information can be found in the attached document.

The Head of Department maintains up to a 0.5 FTE teaching role. Non-contact time is in line with Primary and Special School teachers (2.5 hours per week).

• Reports to - Deputy Principal (based in Brisbane) and Campus Principal (based in Cairns) 
• Campuses - North Queensland Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Service Residential Rehabilitation Program (Edmonton) - Years 7 to 12 and Cairns Hospital (Cairns North) - Kindy to Year 12 
• Other strategic focus areas: -Teaching reading across the curriculum and Implementing curriculum for students in short-stay hospital settings 
• Key partnerships - Woree State High School, Queensland Health, Child and Youth Mental Health Services, Youth Empowered Towards Independence (YETI), Youth Support & Advocacy Service (YSAS), Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation
• Travel - A couple times per term to support statewide operations

The following attributes will be an advantage:

• Ability to work collaboratively with key partners, including in a multi-agency environment, to support students and ensure continuity of learning
• Ability to provide contextualized support specifically tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, their families and their community.

An additional requirement for QCHS staff: Vaccination against preventable diseases

This position requires the successful applicant to work in hospital and health settings, which have additional workplace requirements from Queensland Health. It is mandatory for all roles that come into direct contact with patients to provide evidence of vaccination or proof of non- susceptibility for the following preventable diseases: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (chickenpox), Pertussis (whooping cough). 

The successful applicant will be provided with official forms to be taken to their local GP for completion, which may include a blood test and boosters as required. The expectation is that staff have commenced this process before their first workday. Any out-of-pocket costs are refunded to staff through QCHS reimbursement processes.

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 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. 

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.

• FNR705109_26T - Role Description (PDF, 271KB)
  Role Description
  
  Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  HOD Curriculum Cairns_QCHS Further Role Information (PDF, 195KB)
  Other