Special Education Advisor

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

We are looking for a Special Education Advisor to be part of a close-knit, community-focused team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning support needs.

As a Special Education Advisor, you will play a critical role in our region’s Learning Support team by:

• Identifying patterns or contributing factors that may be influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour.
• Working collaboratively with a team around the child, including educators, parents, caregivers and whānau, to enhance understanding about the child and their behaviours.
• 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 improving 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.
• Collaboratively assessing, planning, developing, supporting and monitoring the implementation of effective individual (or group) learning plans.
• Enhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings.

This permanent, full-time role is based at our Taupō office offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity working in one of New Zealand’s great outdoor adventure locations. (See the following link for more information on Taupō as a destination: https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/.)

Applicants who live in the surrounding South Waikato, Rotorua or wider Bay of Plenty areas and are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.

Salary range: $69,966 - $118,450 per annum + 3% kiwi saver.  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. 

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 in this role, you will need to have the following capabilities and competencies:

• a teaching qualification with a minimum of three years’ teaching experience
• a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education or Education Psychology is desirable
• extensive knowledge, experience and skills in supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours and learning needs in a classroom or other relevant settings
• experience in and willingness to work collaboratively and support other education professionals and agencies to meet the needs of children and young people with additional needs
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with children, young people and their families/whānau and teachers across a diverse range of settings
• experience working in Māori-medium settings or the ability to work across Māori informed practice models would be advantageous
• the ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga, including promoting tikanga and te reo Māori
• a genuine commitment to evidence-based interventions which demonstrate inclusive education practice and contribute to raising student achievement
• a full current driver licence as travel across the region is a requirement of this role
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua (Central) is a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the sector and others.

Learning Support is a critical part of the Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua (Central) Group in the Ministry. We are charged with leading the education sector in ensuring 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. (Please see the following link: Recruitment within Learning Support – Careers in Education)

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 (please do not email your application). 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 Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email Pennie.Muldoon@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Friday 22 November 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.