Speech Language Therapist

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

• Fixed term, full-time (until March 2027)
• Tauranga, Bay of Plenty

We are looking for a Speech Language Therapist 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 Speech Language Therapist, you will play a critical role in our region’s Learning Support team by:

• working to understand the impact of children and young people’s speech and language difficulties in the context of their home, school and community
• working closely with parents, caregivers, teachers and other specialists to help them support their children with the development of speech, language and communication skills
• working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child’s needs are complex.

This is a fixed term, full-time role providing Parental Leave cover for a 12-month period through to March 2027. This role is based at our Tauranga Office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. (See the following link for more information on Tauranga as a destination: https://www.bayofplentynz.com/)

Applicants who live in the surrounding Bay of Plenty areas and are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.

Salary range: $69,966 - $118,450 per annum + 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 Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

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

• a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Speech Language Therapy or an equivalent that meets the requirements of the New Zealand Speech Language Therapists Association
• specialist knowledge of theory, research and practice related to speech language, child and human development, and learning and behaviour
• the ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information
• the ability to co-ordinate service provision in a multi-agency, trans-disciplinary setting
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with ākonga (learners), whānau (families) and kaiako (teachers) across a diverse range of settings
• the ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga
• a full current driver licence as travel will be required
• the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

• Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
• Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
• Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

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.

If you need any further information, please contact Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email Pennie.Muldoon@education.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 3 May 2026.

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.