Consultant: Autism Inclusion

Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton is a leading educational institution dedicated to providing quality education to students across Central Queensland. With a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, we strive to empower our students to reach their full potential. Our team of passionate educators and staff work collaboratively to deliver exceptional educational programs and support services to our students, ensuring they are well‑equipped for success.

The Consultant: Autism Inclusion works collaboratively, providing specialist guidance to teachers and school and college leadership in supporting autistic students across CEDR. The successful applicant will support school and college leaders in the implementation of a shared vision for genuine inclusion of all autistic students, providing leadership, support, expertise and advice on all aspects of autism inclusion, including the implementation of neurodiversity‑affirming practices.

A key focus of the role is to help school communities enact and embrace inclusion, facilitate professional learning, and provide advice for teachers and leaders on contemporary best practice in responding to the needs of autistic students. The successful applicant will provide strategic support for system‑wide initiatives aimed at constantly refining and improving the educational experience for autistic students, within a system‑wide culture of continual improvement.

The role presents a unique opportunity for a committed educator to influence neurodiversity‑affirming practices across Catholic Education, P‑12, and to provide support that can positively impact the educational experience of autistic students. The role focuses on working with school and college leaders, inclusive education teams and Learning Support Teachers to identify and respond to the needs of autistic students, ensuring equitable access to quality education through the planning and implementation of appropriate adjustments and differentiated learning experiences while monitoring and evaluating the impact of these actions.

Typical Duties

• Contribute to the professional development of members of school and college communities (teaching staff, school and college leaders, teacher assistants and parents) to build knowledge and understanding of autism and evidence‑informed practices with a clear purpose of identifying and addressing barriers within the school environment to support autistic students.
• Build relationships across schools and colleges and promote autistic student perspectives, voice and agency supported through neurodiversity‑affirming practices.
• Provide support, expertise and advice regarding the implementation of sensory, environmental, and other relevant adjustments within schools and colleges.
• Provide support, expertise and advice to schools and colleges regarding co‑occurring conditions such as anxiety and how these impact the school experience for autistic students.
• Support a system‑wide culture of continual improvement regarding practices and processes for identifying needs, planning and implementing adjustments, reflecting on and evaluating the impact of adjustments, and consulting regularly with students, families and others as required.
• Collaborate with the Inclusive Education team and broader Catholic Education staff to deliver coordinated, consistent services and system‑level processes to schools.

About You

• Understanding of, and a commitment to, the ethos of Catholic Education.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to work well either individually or collaboratively as part of a team, and to accept direction and support.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible within a dynamic educational setting.
• Tertiary qualification related to inclusive education and autism is desirable, with appropriate experience or equivalent knowledge, qualifications and experience relevant to this role.
• Occupational Therapists with a minimum of 5 years demonstrated equivalent industry or specialised professional experience supporting autistic children are also encouraged to apply.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary range – $137,553 to $152,836 (pending experience) + 12.75% superannuation paid as per the Catholic Education Executive Salary Scale.
• Superannuation contribution of 12.75%.
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable).
• Access to corporate health discounts with Bupa or Westfund Health Insurance.
• Access to Fitness Passport.
• Excellent leave entitlements to suit various situations.
• Induction, professional development and learning opportunities.
• Modern facilities and resources.

Mandatory Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and current Queensland College of Teachers Registration.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role in a safe manner.
• Current Driver's Licence.
• Australian work rights.

Catholic Education is committed to best practice in student protection policies and procedures and is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.