Head of Department (Curriculum) - Cairns State Special School

Permanent
job
recruited via Department of Education and Training (Queensland) (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)

Job Reference QLD/FNR686271/26T

Closing date May 6, 2026

Location Cairns region,Far North Qld

Status
Permanent

Contact
07 4036 7444

About this job

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-centred 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.

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.

Please view the role description for a full lsit of responsibilities.

The Perfect Fit:

• Demonstrated capability in coaching, modelling and building teacher capability.
• Knowledge and experience in supporting students with disability, including AAC, early communication development and differentiated curriculum.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills.
• 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.

What We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a curriculum leader who demonstrates:

• 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.

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 will 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.*