Lead Inclusion. Build Capacity. Make a Difference.

At Merrimac State School, we believe every child deserves to belong, achieve and thrive.

We are seeking an exceptional a Head of Special Education Services (HOSES) to join our leadership team for Semester 2, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and passionate educator who is committed to inclusive education and is ready to lead whole-school improvement in inclusion, intervention and student support.

If you are passionate about inclusive education, thrive in collaborative environments and are committed to ensuring every student can achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.

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.

Why Merrimac State School?

Merrimac State School is a welcoming school with a genuine small school family feel. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

We pride ourselves on the strong connections we build with our students, families, staff and wider community, recognising that positive partnerships create the best outcomes for children.

Our collaborative culture values trust, professionalism and shared responsibility.

As a member of our leadership team, you will work alongside dedicated educators who are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed.

About the Role:

As our Head of Special Education Services, you will lead the school's inclusive education agenda by strengthening systems, building staff capability and ensuring high-quality support for students requiring adjustments.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Lead the development and refinement of strong school-wide inclusive education systems.
• Embed a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework that ensures the right students receive the right support at the right time.
• Collect, analyse and use student achievement, wellbeing and intervention data to inform decision-making and monitor the effectiveness of support.
• Develop the capability of classroom teachers through coaching, mentoring and collaborative professional learning, with a strong emphasis on high-quality Tier 1 pedagogy.
• Coordinate and support the implementation of evidence-informed Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions that respond to student need.
• Lead effective case management processes for students requiring significant adjustments, ensuring personalised planning is purposeful, collaborative and responsive.
• Support the development, implementation and monitoring of high-quality Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) that reflect student strengths, needs and goals.
• Build productive partnerships with families, external agencies and multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes for students.
• Work collaboratively with school leaders to promote an inclusive culture where every student can access and engage successfully in learning.

The Successful Applicant Will Demonstrate

We are seeking an educational leader who has:

• Proven expertise in inclusive education and supporting students with disability.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary research and evidence-based practices in inclusive education and intervention.
• Experience implementing and sustaining effective school-wide systems and processes.
• Excellent data literacy, with the ability to analyse information and translate it into targeted action.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborative relationships with staff, students and families.
• Experience leading professional learning and building teacher capability.
• Highly developed organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a student-centred focus.
• A commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative and high-performing school culture.

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.

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.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 286KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  SER694400_26T Role Description (PDF, 272KB)
  Role Description