Head of Department

Lead curriculum excellence at Cairns State Special School by driving high-quality, inclusive curriculum planning and instructional practice that meets the highly individualised curriculum needs of every student. This role provides strategic leadership, coaching, and collaboration to guide teachers in delivering personalised, evidence-informed learning pathways and achieving outstanding outcomes for all learners. If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you 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. About The School Cairns State Special School is a growing Prep‑Year 12 setting in Far North Queensland, providing high‑quality, individualised education for students with intellectual disability, complex communication needs and multiple disabilities. The school prioritises communication, engagement, inclusion and functional learning, supported by highly skilled staff, strong multidisciplinary partnerships, and a positive, collaborative culture. Our Work Environment & Team Supportive, student-centered leadership team with clear priorities and collaborative decision-making. Strong emphasis on quality curriculum, AAC, communication, and consistent whole-school pedagogy. A culture of capability building, reflective practice and shared responsibility for student success. Opportunities to contribute to developing innovative, inclusive and future-focused practices. About The Role As the Head of Department – Curriculum at Cairns State Special School, you will provide curriculum leadership across Prep‑Year 12 to ensure high-quality, highly individualised teaching and learning aligned to the Australian Curriculum Version 9 and departmental priorities. You will lead collaborative planning, capability building, and evidence-informed practice to support students with intellectual disability, autism, complex communication needs and additional health or sensory needs. What We Are Looking For Strong instructional leadership and the ability to work collaboratively with teaching teams. A commitment to inclusive, communication-rich and engaging learning environments. High-level organisational skills and the ability to lead whole‑school improvement work. A student-first mindset, grounded in evidence-informed practice and professional integrity. Key Responsibilities Lead the design, implementation and monitoring of a highly individualised curriculum aligned to ACV9, school priorities and inclusive education practices. Facilitate collaborative planning, moderation and data-informed decision making across teaching teams. Build teacher capability in literacy, communication, AAC integration, and the teaching of reading. Support high-quality implementation of Individual Curriculum Plans (ICPs) and personalised learning pathways. Promote schoolwide consistency in UDL, engagement frameworks, positive behaviour approaches and trauma-informed practice. Work collaboratively with the leadership team to deliver key school priorities and improvement initiatives. The Perfect Fit Experience in a special school or inclusive education setting. Knowledge of QCIA pathway planning, NCCD requirements and cross‑agency collaboration. Understanding of UDL, trauma-informed practice, Berry Street Education Model, ROCC or equivalent engagement frameworks. Experience working with therapists, medical staff or allied health professionals to support holistic student learning. 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 may 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. Occupational group: Education & Training #J-18808-Ljbffr