Psychologist at NZ Ministry of Education, Palmerston North

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Educational Psychologist - Palmerston North Region

• 1 Fixed Term part-time
• 1 Full-time permanent
• Palmerston North

Kia ora, Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Fakatalofa atu, Kia orana, Malo e lelei, Malo ni, Talofa lava, Tena koutou katoa and welcome.

Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. We have a parental leave position available, just waiting for you to come and join our friendly team.

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 the 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 help shape the policies, settings and performance of the education system for early learning, schooling and tertiary. We do this by building relationships and understanding the needs of those who receive our services.

We are making significant changes to how we deliver our mahi by

• Taking practical action to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi. 
• Giving priority to regional and local voice. 
• Delivering greater responsiveness, accessibility and integrated services and support.
• Improving feedback loops and information flows. 

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people across 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 every child, young person and adult student in our education system. 

About our group and team

Learning Support is a critical part of Te Mahau Te Tai Whenua within 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.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

As a Psychologist, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

• Identifying patterns or contributing factors that may be influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour
• 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 in-depth specialist assessment and analysis for evidenced informed interventions
• Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.

Mōhou ake | About you

To be successful you will need:

• A Masters level tertiary qualification and a post-graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent
• To be registered under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and to hold a current practicing certificate
• Ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information
• 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 children, young people and their families and teachers across a diverse range of settings.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.

What can we offer you?

We offer a competitive salary and terms and conditions. In addition, our specialists tell us they value the following.

• “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”.

Are you ready to make a difference?

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, including Māori, Pacific and those with disabilities, who will enrich our understanding of the education system.

As a government agency, the Ministry is committed to keeping to the Treaty of Waitangi's guiding principles in our work for and with Māori students, their whānau, hapū and iwi.

There is more information in the position description attached, please take a look and if this opportunity sounds like you, please apply now using the ‘apply online' button.

For further information, please contact Peggy Warren at Peggy.warren@education.govt.nz  or phone 06 350 9895

Applications close Midnight Sunday 30^th April 2023