Speech Language Therapist

Help shape the future of Education

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 across Aotearoa | New Zealand 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 every child, young person and adult student in our education system.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

We are looking for a fixed term Speech Language Therapist to provide parental leave cover and 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.

Please note there is further information in the attached Job Description here

This 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: $67,928-$109,000 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued and 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 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 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 now’ link below. 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.

All applications must be submitted online via the ‘apply now’ link below.

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 Monday 11 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.