Head Career & Industry Services

Key Responsibilities

• Align career services with APSN's strategic goals by establishing operating plans, service standards, sustainable delivery models, and an integrated system across schools, centres, and alumni.
• Provide strategic direction to department heads, manage job-coach deployment and caseloads, monitor service quality, and foster professional development and leadership succession.
• Lead the development of placement procedures and effective job matching that aligns student capabilities and long-term goals with open or customized employment opportunities.
• Establish standards for individualized, responsive support plans that encourage student independence and retention while properly tracking intervention outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with inclusive employers and industry bodies to advocate for accessibility, workplace adjustments, training, and internship opportunities.
• Monitor labor-market trends, technology shifts, and institutional data to translate research findings and evaluations into practical service innovations.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Social Work, or a related field, with preferred specialized training in Mild Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and job coaching.
• 8 to 10 years of relevant professional experience, including a strong background in a leadership role, driving service improvements, and managing organisational change.
• Proven skills in building employer partnerships, negotiating inclusive recruitment, and managing job matching, workplace assessment, placement, and retention.
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring service quality, employment outcomes, and staff performance, supported by an understanding of governance and risk management.
• Strong knowledge of inclusive employment models, evidence-informed practices, research/innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent communication, resilience, problem-solving abilities, and a deep commitment to student dignity, independence, and wellbeing.