Special Education Adviser at NZ Ministry of Education, Northland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Special Education Adviser

• Permanent, full-time role based in Kaitāia, Te 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?

Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education is looking for a Special Education Adviser to be part of our close-knit, community-focused team. Based in our Kaitāia Office, a welcoming office 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 Special Education Adviser you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

• Supporting parents and whānau, teachers and schools to meet the learning support needs of children and young people
• Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with a range of professional partners, community and sector groups and support agencies to ensure that services are coordinated and effective
• Enhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings
• Assessing, collaboratively planning, supporting and monitoring the implementation of individual (or group) intervention plans.

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

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 & supported
• 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 of Teaching (Early Childhood) or Post-graduate Diploma in Special Education / Educational Psychology
• Experience working with children and young people with learning needs in a classroom or other relevant setting
• Experience of supporting other education professionals to meet the needs of children and young people with additional needs
• 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 tangata whenuatanga.

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 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, 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.

Our specialists tell us they value

• “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”.

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 Julie John, Learning Support Manager for more information at 027 266 3465 or Julie.John@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight Sunday 2nd April 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.