Balaclava State School is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Head of Special Education Services (HOSES) to lead and manage inclusive education practices within our school community. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. This is a temporary full-time position until 01 October 2027, unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About Us:

Balaclava State School is a Prep to Year 6 primary school located in the centre of Cairns. Our students are drawn primarily from the surrounding residential suburbs of the local area.  We work to continually foster positive relationships with our families, local businesses, surrounding schools, clubs and professional associations. Our commitment is to give our students a strong start to education through creating a learning environment in which each child can thrive and become an independent, creative and connected learner. It is through these solid foundations that unlimited potentials will emerge.  

Our school motto is 'Connect ~ Commit ~ Excel' and we strive to enact this each day in our school.  Our staff are professionally supported to reflect and improve upon practice and we are dedicated to helping our students build on strong foundations as they strive to be the best that they can be. We are a community of learners, committed to innovation and led by a united vision for professional excellence.

About the Role:

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of inclusive education programs to support students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with teachers, support staff, and families to design and deliver tailored learning plans that meet individual student needs.
• Provide expert advice and professional development to staff to enhance inclusive teaching practices and build capacity across the school.
• Manage and coordinate resources, including staff and specialised equipment, to ensure effective support for students with disabilities.
• Monitor and report on student progress, ensuring compliance with departmental policies and legislative requirements.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and inclusion, promoting positive outcomes for all students.

Highly desirable skills and experience:

• Proven leadership experience in special education or inclusive education settings.
• Strong knowledge of current policies, practices, and legislation related to students with disabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• A commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture.

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. 

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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.

• FNQ696109_26T - Role Description (PDF, 271KB)
  Role Description
  
  Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants