Special Education Adviser

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

As a Special Education Adviser, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by doing the following:

• Working collaboratively with a team around the child, including educators, parents, caregivers and whānau, to enhance understanding about the child and their behaviours.
• Collaboratively develop, implement, and monitor an effective personalised learning plan.
• Helping the adults around the child to make changes to the learning environment so that their behaviour can be more effectively managed, and the situation can be stabilised/made safer. This includes supporting the child to develop more pro-social ways of responding, and improve their participation, wellbeing and learning outcomes.
• Facilitating access to wider services and support, in response to individual needs, for example speech and language therapy and local agencies.
• Enhancing inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings.

Salary range: $69,966.00 - $112,270.00 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

Please note: This role is also advertised as a Psychologist under requisition #846 with a different salary range and set of requirements/qualifications. If you are a qualified Psychologist, please use this link to submit your application for the Psychologist role.

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported.
• The ability to purchase extra days leave.
• A range of employee network groups.
• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey.
• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments.
• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful you will:

• Be a qualified and fully registered NZ teacher. Additional qualifications in Learning Support would be an advantage.
• Have a Bachelor of Teaching or Post-graduate Diploma in Special Education / Educational Psychology.
• Demonstrable knowledge, experience, and skills in supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours.
• An ability and willingness to work in collaborative partnership with other professionals, agencies, families and the sector.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including an ability to sustain productive professional relationships.
• A genuine commitment to evidence-based interventions, which demonstrate inclusive education practice and contribute to raising student achievement.
• Sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity and a commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Full NZ Drivers Licence or the ability to obtain one within an agreed time frame.

The role also requires:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with children, young people and their families and teachers across a diverse range of settings.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Learning Support is a critical part of the Te Mahau | Te Tai Runga (South) Group in the Ministry.

We ensure that children and young people with additional learning needs are supported to achieve their full potential through education. Our Learning Support specialists work closely with families, whānau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Māori medium settings and other agencies to help maximise learning outcomes and promote social inclusion.

Our specialists tell us they value:

• “The ability to make a positive difference in the lives of children, young people and their whānau and contribute to system wide change is a huge plus”.
• “The Ministry offers a strong community of practice and the support of a large organisation, so I never feel isolated or alone”.
• “I really value the ability to work closely with specialists from other disciplines. It enhances my own practice and thinking”.

To learn more about Learning Support, the roles we offer, frequently asked questions, and more, click here.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Colleen Wakefield – Service Manager at colleen.wakefield@education.govt.nz or call 03 471 5263.

Applications close Midnight – Friday 31 May 2024.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.