Support Worker - Education

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

Education Support Workers (ESWs) form an important part of the Early intervention Team supporting the education of young children with special educational needs. They are employed by the Early Intervention Service to work in Early Childhood Care & Education Centres. Under the supervision and guidance of Te Mahau Specialist Staff the ESWs role is to support the teachers at the centre to implement an individual plan for a specific child(ren) and include the child(ren) in the full early childhood programme of the centre.

The ESWs role may not always involve working directly with children. They may for example, be asked to attend planning meetings, training courses, or to compete observations of the child at play in the centre.

Te Mahau has great part-time opportunities for you if you:

• Want to make a difference for young learners with additional needs in early childhood settings.
• Are a team player who can work well with a diverse range of people.
• Are an excellent communicator.
• Have experience of working with pre-schoolers and/or children with additional learning needs.
• Are available to work during school hours for at least four mornings each week.
• Have a full driver's licence and a vehicle to drive from centre to centre if required.
• You are a NZ citizen or are a permanent resident.

Hourly rate range: $27.03 - $30.03 per hour + 3% kiwi saver.  The successful candidate will be appointed at a rate which reflects individual skills and experience.

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 in the role you will need / to be the following:

• Be a team player who can work well with a diverse range of people.
• Be an excellent communicator.
• Have experience of working with pre-schoolers and/or children with additional learning needs.
• Are available to work during school hours for at least four mornings each week.
• Have a full driver's licence and a vehicle to drive from centre to centre if required.
• You are a NZ citizen or are a permanent resident.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

Mātau rōpū ake | About our group, and team

 Learning Support is a critical part of the Sector Enablement and Support Group in Te Mahau. 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 hr.waikato@education.govt.nz

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.