Special Education Advisor

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

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 Special Education Advisor, 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: $67,928 - $109,000 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 Psychologist under requisition #457 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.

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

To be successful you will 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.
• 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.
• A genuine commitment to evidence-based interventions, which demonstrate inclusive education practice and contribute to raising student achievement.
• An ability and willingness to work in collaborative partnership with other professionals, agencies, families, and the sector.
• A full current driver's licence is essential. Travel across the district is a requirement of 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.

For further information, please contact Tracy Cournane – Service Manager (Dunedin) at tracy.cournane@education.govt.nz – 03 467 7952.

Applications via email will not be accepted.

Interviews to be held week beginning 4 December 2023 actual day TBC.

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 26 November 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.