Psychologist

Help shape the future of Education

He mea tārai e mātou te mātauranga kia rangatira ai, kia mana taurite ai ōna huanga

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

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whānau.

We shape the policies, settings and performance of the education system for early learning, schooling and tertiary.

We are making significant changes to how we deliver our purpose.

So that we:

• Take practical action to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Give priority to regional and local voice.
• Deliver greater responsiveness, accessibility and integrated services and support.
• Improve feedback loops and information flows.

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.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

We are looking for a Psychologist 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.

We would also be keen to receive applications from candidates who are currently completing a psychology internship.

As a Psychologist, 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
• enhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings
• providing professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families and building the capacity of those who are best placed to support the learning of children and young people
• providing appropriate in-depth specialist assessment and analysis for collaboratively planned, evidence-informed interventions
• working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child’s needs are complex.

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

Salary range: $82,928-$117,928 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

This role is based at our Whakatāne Tari| Whakatāne Office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance in one of New Zealand’s sunniest locations. Whakatāne is the cultural hub of the Whakatāne District. Local attractions like Mataatua Wharenui, the Lady on the Rock and Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi – the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre – showcase the rich heritage and history of the area. (See the following link for more information on Whakatāne as a destination: https://www.whakatane.com/)

We cover a large area and work from Matata to Whangaparaoa with pristine beaches and beautiful coastal views.

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

Please note: This role is also advertised as a Special Education Advisor role under requisition 527 with a different salary range and set of requirements/qualifications. If you are not a qualified Psychologist, please use this link to submit your application for the Special Education Advisor 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.

Mōhou ake | About you

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

• a Masters level tertiary qualification and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent
• be a New Zealand Registered Psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and hold a current practicing certificate (or be registered under an internship)
• the ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information
• the ability to contribute your specialist skills and co-ordinate service provision within multi-agency, trans-disciplinary settings
• 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 driver licence.

Mātau rōpū ake | About our group and team

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.

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

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 Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email Pennie.Muldoon@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 10 December 2023.

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.