Special Education Advisor

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

Help shape the future of Education

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

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 students in our education system.

About this role | Mo tenei turanga

This is a permanent, full time position based in our Timaru office.

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 whanau, 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: $69,966 - $118,450 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

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

About you | Mohou ake

To be successful you will:

• Be a qualified and fully registered NZ teacher. Additional qualifications in Learning Support would be an advantage.
• Demonstrable knowledge, experience, and skills in supporting children and young people with 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 Maori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Maori.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with akonga, whanau 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.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Matau ropu ake

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, whanau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Maori 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 whanau 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.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?

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 Karen Pearce, Service Manager, at Karen.Pearce@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight - Sunday 01 June 2025.

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.