Join a purpose-driven, professional team committed to inclusive education and community impact.

Mount Ommaney Special School are seeking a compassionate, strategic Head of Special Education Services (HOSES) to lead our Early Childhood Development Program.

The ideal candidate will advocate for the Early Childhood Development, support families with empathy, lead multidisciplinary teams, and drive sustainable service delivery. Strong leadership, communication, and early childhood disability expertise are essential.

Job details

About the School

Mount Ommaney Special School is a respected, inclusive school known for innovation in special education. The Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP) offers both centre-based and outreach models.

We are committed to supporting students with complex needs and their families through high-quality, individualised education. Our staff collaborate with respect, prioritize wellbeing, and share a belief that every child deserves to thrive. Leadership is approachable, transparent, and values strong relationships, reflective practice, and shared accountability.

About the Role

Support, Development and Professional Growth Opportunities

• Access regional and school-based support, a special education leadership network, and professional development in inclusive practices, behaviour support, early years pedagogy.
• Engage with interdisciplinary professionals, including therapists, guidance officers, and external agencies.
• Receive mentorship from experienced HOSES and Principal leaders across the region.
• Leadership team offers flexibility and responsiveness to support workload and emotional demands.

Focus Responsibilities and Key Expectations

• Navigate the increasing complexity of childhood disability, managing NDIS overlap and ensuring clear documentation and communication of the ECDP model's value.
• Lead with integrity, compassion, and resilience, ensuring the service meets high standards and evolves with the needs of young learners.
• Strategic advocacy for the future of ECDPs at both school and systemic levels, driving forward-thinking initiatives.

Qualities and Leadership Traits for the Role

• A fierce advocate for ECDP, with moral commitment to protecting and promoting its value in the community.
• Empathetic, especially toward families navigating grief, uncertainty, or new diagnoses.
• A relationship-builder with high emotional intelligence, quickly gaining trust from parents, staff, and teams.
• Firm and fair, handling sensitive staffing issues professionally while prioritising service quality.
• Organised and proactive, driving timely applications and service delivery/intervention.
• Strategic and visionary, focused on service sustainability and improvement.

Key Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Leadership experience in special education or early childhood.
• In-depth understanding of disability categories (e.g. ASD, SLI, ID, PI, HI, VI).
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and supporting staff performance.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to navigate sensitive conversations with families and stakeholders.
• Ability to progress enrolment applications and advocate for program sustainability with data and outcomes.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience within or leading an ECDP.
• Familiarity with NDIS and Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) pathways.
• Experience with outreach service models in early years settings.
• Background in trauma-informed practice or grief/loss counselling in early childhood settings.

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

How To Apply

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).
• Attach a written statement (2-page maximum) as per Role Description "How you will be assessed" section.

Applications remain current 12 months from closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department. Salary rate shown is reflective of full-time (1.0 FTE).

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 candidate information fact sheet and follow the instructions.

Documents

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

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  MSR634901_25P - Role Description (PDF, 388KB)
  Role Description