Gympie Special School is looking for a Head of Department - Student Services for Semester One, 2027.

The HODSS is responsible for leading and coordinating Student Services to ensure students receive timely, effective and coordinated support.

Job details

This is a temporary full-time position for Semester One from 21 January until 25 June 2027, unless otherwise determined.

About us: 

Gympie Special School provides specialised education for students with disability, supporting their learning, development and participation in school life.

Your opportunity:

As Head of Department - Student Services, you will have responsibility for leading the following activities and delivering these key tasks:

Student Support and Case Management

• Lead student support and case management, coordinating  Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Individual Support Plans and interventions, drawing on specialist knowledge of disability, complex needs and trauma-informed practice.

Wellbeing and Positive Behaviour

• Lead student wellbeing and positive behaviour approaches, embedding Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL), Zones of Regulation and trauma-informed practices.
• Support staff to implement proactive, disability-responsive behaviour strategies.

Attendance, Engagement and Data

• Lead strategies to improve attendance, engagement and learning outcomes.
• Use student data to identify needs, monitor progress, inform targeted interventions and support school decision-making.

Leadership and Team Management

• Provide leadership to the Student Services team and build staff capability.
• Coordinate professional learning in disability, inclusive practice, trauma-informed approaches, wellbeing and behaviour support, while managing relevant resources.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Develop collaborative partnerships with families, community organisations, allied health professionals and external agencies to coordinate wraparound support and promote positive student outcomes.

Inclusion, Equity and Compliance

• Promote an inclusive, equitable and supportive school culture.
• Ensure practices reflect disability legislation, departmental requirements and trauma-informed principles, and maintain accurate, confidential student documentation.

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 written statement in response to 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.

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.

• Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  NCR703940_26T - Role Description (PDF, 390KB)
  Role Description