We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Guidance Officer to join the foundation team at the New Special School in Ipswich West, a new purpose-built primary special school opening in 2027 and co-located with Leichhardt State School. This is a unique opportunity to help establish a school where every student is known, valued and empowered to thrive. We are looking for a professional who shares our commitment to high expectations, inclusive practice, strong partnerships with families and multidisciplinary teams, and who is excited to contribute to building a positive school culture from the very beginning.

Job details

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.

About the Role:

The successful applicant will hold the appropriate qualifications, registration and departmental accreditation required for the role, including the knowledge and capability to undertake the full special school enrolment process. This includes coordinating enrolment verification, educational assessments, consultation with families and multidisciplinary teams, and providing expert advice to ensure students are appropriately supported from enrolment through to ongoing educational planning.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to;

• Provide comprehensive student support through counselling, psychoeducational assessment, advocacy, and evidence-based recommendations to address students' educational, behavioural, social, emotional, mental health, family, and career development needs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to build effective partnerships with students, families, school staff, and external agencies, delivering coordinated case management, referrals, educational planning, and support that enhances student engagement and wellbeing.
• Assess and implement targeted interventions by conducting observations and psychoeducational assessments, developing individualised support plans, recommending reasonable adjustments, and supporting initiatives including behaviour support, gifted education, student protection, and risk management.
• Provide specialised leadership and professional expertise in areas such as student protection, critical incidents, intensive behaviour support, transitions to and from alternative education settings, senior education and training (SET) planning, career development, and future pathways.
• Maintain professional and ethical practice by upholding confidentiality and legislative requirements, maintaining accurate records, and contributing to professional learning through staff, parent, and community education, training, and ongoing professional development.

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 written statement in response to 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. 

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.

• MSR696200_26P - Role Description (PDF, 298KB)
  Role Description
  
  Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants