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

As a Psychologist you will play a critical role in our region’s Learning Support team by;

• 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 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.
• There may also be opportunities for involvement in project work, as well as individual casework, targeted (group) work, and universal (systems level) work
• ‘Thinking outside the box' and collaboration with others is encouraged, to ensure positive outcomes for students

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.

Please note: This role is also advertised as a Special Education Adviser under requisition 469 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 Adviser role.

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.

Mōhou ake | About you

You will be a New Zealand Registered Psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and hold a current practicing certificate. You will have a master’s level tertiary qualification and a post-graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent.

You will also have / be able to demonstrate:

• The ability to develop and interact effectively with people of other cultures focusing or relationship and recognising their identity, language and culture as a source of strength.
• To demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with ākonga, whānau and Kaiako across a diverse range of settings.
• Ability to translate practitioner knowledge into practical information to upskill the adults around a child.
• Ability to co-ordinate service provision in a multi-agency, trans-disciplinary setting
• A full current driver’s license is essential. Travel across the district is a requirement of the the role. 

Mātau rōpū ake | About our group and team

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.

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.

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button (applications via email will not be accepted). 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 Raewyn Matthys-Morris – Service Manager at  raewyn.matthysmorris@education.govt.nz – 03 2118032.

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 26 November 2023.

Interviews to be held week beginning 11 December 2023 actual day to be confirm.

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.