Speech Language Therapist at NZ Ministry of Education, Northland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Speech Language Therapist

• Permanent, full-time role based in Whangārei, Tai Tokerau
• Come and enjoy the great lifestyle of the warm and sunny north
• Experience the support of a great group of colleagues

Do you have a passion for improving educational outcomes for all students/ākonga, particularly those with Learning Support needs? Are you currently working in the sector and need a new challenge?

Come and enjoy the lifestyle of the North (warmth, outdoor adventure, swimming, fishing, etc.).  Be motivated by colleagues who possess a range of experience and strengths.

Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education is looking for a Speech Language Therapist to be part of our close-knit, community-focused team. Based in our Whangārei Office, a welcoming office environment in one of New Zealand's warmest locations, we offer a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity.

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

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.

Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown. We are committed to having Te Tiriti o Waitangi at the forefront of our work for and with Māori students, their whānau, hapū and iwi. 

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

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.
• Building and strengthening the capability of those who are best placed to support learning such as parents, teachers and whānau.
• Providing high quality learning support in line with the practice framework He Pikorua guiding principles and content of the curricula delivered in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Home - He Pikorua (education.govt.nz)
• Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.

For more information on this position, please read through the attached Job Description

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 need:

• A Bachelor or Master's degree in Speech-Language Therapy, or an equivalent that meets the requirements of the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists Association.
• In-depth knowledge of theory, research and practice related to speech-language, child and human development and learning and behaviour.
• Ability to translate professional 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 Tirirti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.
• A full driver licence.

Mātau rōpū ake | About our ministry, group, and team

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whanau. To better deliver on this, we are currently undergoing an organisational design change. The transition phase to improve the way we deliver our purpose will be complete in 2023.

For additional information on the changes we are embarking on, please visit here.

Learning Support is a critical part of the Te Mahau | Te Tai Raro (North) Group within the Ministry of Education. 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.

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?

We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities.

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and CV by using the ‘apply' button below. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, your whakapapa or anything you'd like to share about your cultural identity. We're keen to know your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

You are also welcome to reach out to Cleve Bloor, Service Manager for more information at 027 839 2650 or Cleve.Bloor@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight Sunday 5 February 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