Head of Special Education Services (H01) - Merrimac State School - Special Education Program

Role overview

Merrimac State School is looking for a skilled and committed Head of Special Education Services (HOSES) to join its leadership team from Semester 2, 2026, with the chance of an extension. The position suits an educator who is strongly aligned to inclusive education and who wants to lead improvement across inclusion, intervention and student support.

The school promotes a community-focused environment where relationships, trust and shared responsibility are central. The wider Department of Education environment also highlights professionalism, diversity, leadership, innovation, training and development, as well as flexibility and work-life balance.

About the school

Merrimac State School is described as a welcoming community with a strong family feel. The school places high value on positive relationships with students, families, staff and the broader community, and believes that these partnerships contribute to better outcomes for children. As part of the leadership team, you will work with dedicated educators focused on continuous improvement and providing the support students need to succeed.

Key purpose of the role

In this role, you will guide the school’s inclusive education strategy by strengthening systems, growing staff capability and ensuring students who need adjustments receive high-quality support. The role is about leading whole-school improvement in inclusion and building a culture where every student can participate, engage and achieve.

Core responsibilities

• Shape and improve whole-school inclusive education practices and systems.
• Implement and sustain a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) so students receive the right intervention at the right time.
• Use data on achievement, wellbeing and intervention outcomes to guide decisions and check whether support is working.
• Coach and mentor classroom teachers, and lead collaborative professional learning with a strong focus on effective Tier 1 teaching.
• Oversee evidence-based Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports that respond to individual student needs.
• Manage case coordination for students needing substantial adjustments, ensuring planning is collaborative, practical and student-focused.
• Support the creation, delivery and review of high-quality Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) that reflect each student’s strengths, needs and goals.
• Work with families, external agencies and multidisciplinary professionals to improve student outcomes.
• Partner with school leaders to strengthen an inclusive culture across the school.

What the school is looking for

• Demonstrated expertise in inclusive education and in supporting students with disability.
• Strong understanding of current research and evidence-based approaches to inclusion and intervention.
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective school-wide processes and systems.
• Well-developed data analysis skills and the ability to turn information into targeted action.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with staff, students and families.
• Experience leading professional learning and strengthening teacher practice.
• Strong organisation and the ability to manage several priorities while keeping students at the centre.
• A clear commitment to a positive, collaborative and high-performing school culture.

Application requirements

• A brief resume with contact details for two referees who understand your relevant work history.
• A two-page response addressing the “How you will be assessed” section in the attached role description.
• Copies of the mandatory qualifications and registration listed in the role description.

Additional information

The recruitment team welcomes applicants to share any support they may need so the hiring process can be inclusive.

Applications stay current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for identical or similar vacancies within the Department during that period.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Occupational group: Education & Training.