We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Department - Student Engagement to join our leadership team. This role provides strategic and instructional leadership to build staff capability, strengthen inclusive practices and enhance student engagement, wellbeing and learning outcomes across the school. Working closely with teachers, teacher aides, families and external professionals, the successful applicant will coach and mentor staff to develop high-quality teaching and behaviour support practices. This includes supporting teachers with their Setting Professional Goals (SPG), modelling and coaching the implementation of Explicit Instruction and the Gradual Release of Responsibility model, and mentoring beginning teachers within the unique context of special education.

Job details

About our School:

Mount Isa Special School is Queensland's most remote and rural special school, providing highly individualised learning programs for Prep to Year 12 students with intellectual disability, autism and complex support needs. Set against the striking backdrop of Mount Isa's red hills, our school is committed to inclusive education, strong family partnerships and ensuring every student achieves a positive and productive future through personalised learning, high expectations and evidence-informed practice.

About the Role:

The Head of Student Engagement will lead initiatives that support positive student outcomes through evidence-based practices, including Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems such as PODD and visual supports, and effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 behavioural interventions.

The role also includes supporting staff to respond to challenging behaviours with empathy and consistency, tailoring curriculum and assessment for students accessing Highly Individualised Curriculum Plans (HICP) and Different Year Level Programs (DYLP) and coordinating induction processes to ensure new staff are well supported to succeed.

At Mount Isa Special School, you will join a collaborative and values-driven team committed to continuous improvement and professional growth. Staff benefit from comprehensive mentoring, high-quality professional learning and strong whole-school support structures that foster both personal and professional success.

In addition to the key capabilities outlined in the role description, this position will also require the successful applicant to:

• Collaborate with teachers to support the development and implementation of their Setting Professional Goals (SPG), including coaching and mentoring to enhance pedagogical practices in the classroom.
• Model and coach high-impact teaching strategies, specifically focusing on the Gradual Release of Responsibility model and Explicit Instruction, to improve teaching quality and student outcomes.
• Tailor curriculum to meet the individual needs of Highly Individualised Curriculum Plan (HICP) and Different Year Level-Partial (DYLP) students, including the adjustment and development of assessments and marking guides.
• Respond to student behaviours with empathy, providing guidance and support to staff in managing and understanding challenging behaviours.
• Work collaboratively with the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) coach to support Tier 2 and Tier 3 students, implementing engagement strategies and behavioural interventions.
• Mentor beginning teachers, equipping them with knowledge and skills related to teaching in a special school context and supporting their professional growth.
• Lead and coordinate staff induction processes, ensuring new team members are effectively supported and prepared to work in the special school environment.

Please refer to the Role Description for a full list of responsibilities.

Interested? To Apply:

• 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 evidence of the mandatory requirements 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.

For lifestyle information about living and working in Mount Isa, please see the video.  Mount Isa - Live North West Queensland

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.

• NQR694458_26T - Role Description (PDF, 272KB)
  Role Description
  
  Applicant Information Package (PDF, 286KB)
  Information Package for Applicants