About Masada College
Masada College is a leading Jewish educational institution that integrates a premium academic program with a strong commitment to inclusivity. We welcome Jewish children from every denomination as well as non-Jewish students, fostering a diverse and supportive community. With a focus on academic excellence, resilience, hard work, community, and collaboration, grounded in Jewish values, students are equipped to achieve their full potential. Masada encourages students to excel not only academically but also personally, developing the skills and character needed to thrive. Guided by the belief that “Goodness Makes Greatness,” the College instils values of respect, kindness, and responsibility, empowering students to make a positive impact on the world.
Role Summary
The Head of Learning Support and Wellbeing, takes responsibility for the day-to-day provision for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Professional guidance will be provided for students identified as needing learning support to secure high-quality teaching and learning and the effective use of resources to bring about the highest achievement standards for all students.
Key Accountabilities
Responsibilities
The Head of Learning Support and Wellbeing is expected to:
- Lead, develop and support an effective learning support team including Learning Support teachers, EAL/D staff and support personnel across ELC to Year 6.
- Support the Junior School Counsellor and Teachers in the delivery of wellbeing initiatives.
- Lead and share strategies with teachers for effective teaching through developing, collaborating, and assisting in implementing programs that support students’ diverse needs. This includes identifying students with specific needs to make sure students are engaged, and learning is maximised.
- Oversee student behaviour support processes and promote a positive, inclusive and restorative wellbeing culture across the Junior School.
- Assist staff to cater to student requirements in relation to learning difficulties, physical and environmental needs and provide support for classroom teachers in developing, implementing and monitoring students with specific learning needs.
- Liaise with teachers to modify assessment procedures.
- Facilitate small group classes for those who need additional learning support.
- Coordinate the National Collection of Data and Census data.
- Plan and conduct Individual Plan (IP) meetings, review student progress and maintain records and documentation related to IPs.
- Develop and implement Disability Provisions for external assessments.
- Collaborate with the College Psychologist and/or Head of Learning Support Years 7 to 12 to develop and facilitate transition programs for students with additional needs from Junior to Senior School.
- Maintain regular contact with Psychologist Interns, College Psychologists/Counsellors, and on-site Occupational/Speech Therapists.
- Recommend external learning assessments as deemed necessary.
- Liaise with outside agencies and professionals.
- Interpret educational assessments and devise suitable support and intervention.
- Ensure that policies are up to date and implemented in line with the latest educational research and national regulations.
- Lead the professional development of colleagues within the Learning Support Team.
- Run regular learning support meetings to ensure student needs are being met emotionally, socially and academically.
- Work in collaboration with the Head of Junior School and Learning Support personnel to ensure that students with particular gifts are appropriately identified, supported and challenged, with Individual Programs identified.
- Collaborate with ELC and Senior School staff to develop transition programs for students.
- Prepare and manage budget submissions and expenditures.
- Review and develop with the Head of Junior School student welfare policies and protocols, particularly for student behaviour management, ICT acceptable usage and bullying.
- Provide effective written reports for learning support students.
- Liaise with the Enrolment Department and when necessary attend enrolment interviews in order to discuss the required learning support needs and interventions of potential students.
- Liaise with parents as required.
Leadership Accountabilities
The Head of Learning Support and Wellbeing is expected to:
- Demonstrate and model excellence in progressive teaching practice as a learning support teacher.
- Provide professional leadership and management of staff.
- Develop and support an effective and collaborative Teaching Team across the ELC to Year 6.
- Keep up to date with educational developments, particularly in relation to curriculum, pedagogy, and resource development.
- Work with members of the Teaching Team to develop effective classroom practice, drawing on Culture of Thinking philosophies.
- Formulate and revise documentation required by NESA and the College and ensure all requirements are adhered to by the school.
- In collaboration with Junior School executives, review and advise on school reporting and assessment.
- Prepare and manage budget submissions and expenditures.
- Partner in the registration process of the Junior School.
- Perform duties within variable hours. The nature of this position is such that the Head of Learning Support is required to be available outside the “normal” school hours, to participate fully in the life of the College, to attend meetings and make presentations whenever necessary, and to represent the Head of the Junior School on occasions, in some forums.
Key Attributes:
The ideal candidate will have/be:
- Extensive experience teaching Junior School classes, with a consistent record of differentiating effectively for diverse learners.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Flexibility and a collaborative team approach.
- Genuine interest in pedagogy and contemporary teaching practice.
- Openness to adopting new approaches and evidence-based methods.
- A commitment to modelling exemplary values and conduct for students.
- Capacity to analyse and apply student data to inform teaching.
- Ability to work independently and with self-direction.
- Skill and confidence in navigating difficult conversations.
- A track record of building positive relationships with families.
- Energy and enthusiasm for the full life of a school community.
- Proficiency with IT systems, including Google Workspace.
Experience and Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess:
- Current NSW teaching accreditation (or eligibility for the same).
- A tertiary qualification in Education, supplemented by specialisation or postgraduate study in Learning Support, Special Education, or a related field.
- Proven experience in a leadership or coordination capacity within learning support.
- A record of supporting students with diverse requirements, including learning difficulties, disabilities, and giftedness.
- Familiarity with NESA regulations, Individual Plans, and disability provisions for external assessments.
- Skill in interpreting psychoeducational assessments and integrating findings into effective classroom practice.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) process, including evidence collection, quality adjustments, and reporting obligations.
Additional Benefits of Working at Masada College
- Complimentary on-site parking.
- Access to salary sacrifice and novated leasing arrangements.
- Additional leave provided for Jewish holidays.
- Access to Fitness Passport.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the Masada College Careers page or via Seek. Provide a cover letter outlining why you are suitable for the role, along with an up-to-date copy of your resume detailing your previous experience as it relates to this role and full academic transcripts. To apply for this position, you will need to be an Australian Citizen/Resident or have a current Australian work visa.
All applicants must have and submit a NSW Working With Children Check Number.
Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis as they are received. Early application is encouraged.
Masada College provides a dynamic working environment where staff are valued and students are committed to learning. All appointments will be based on merit selection without reference to the religion of applicants. Candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply. We ask only that all staff bring genuine respect for Jewish people, faith, and culture, and a willingness to engage with the values and traditions that are central to the life of our school.
