Head of Department (Student Engagement) - Mount Isa Special School

Head of Department (Student Engagement) - Mount Isa Special School

Queensland Department of Education

Location: Mount Isa Work Type: Full-time Work Arrangement: Remote

Mount Isa Special School is seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Department - Student Engagement to contribute to its leadership team. This position offers strategic and instructional leadership focused on developing staff capability, reinforcing inclusive practices, and improving student engagement, wellbeing, and learning outcomes across the school.

In collaboration with teachers, teacher aides, families, and external professionals, the successful applicant will provide coaching and mentorship to staff, fostering high-quality teaching and behaviour support practices. This includes assisting 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 specific context of special education.

About Mount Isa Special School: As Queensland's most remote and rural special school, Mount Isa Special School delivers highly individualised learning programs for students from Prep to Year 12 who have intellectual disability, autism, and complex support needs. Situated against the distinctive red hills of Mount Isa, the school is dedicated to inclusive education, building strong family partnerships, and ensuring each 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 drive initiatives that support positive student outcomes by employing evidence-based practices. This includes 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 involves supporting staff to respond to challenging behaviours with empathy and consistency, adapting 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 designed to foster both personal and professional success.

In addition to the key capabilities outlined in the role description, this position will 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.

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.