Physiotherapist & Occupational Therapist at NZ Ministry of Education, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Permanent, Full-Time
• Make a real difference in children and young people's lives
• Work as part of a trans-disciplinary team of dedicated professionals

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

Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

• Observing, assessing, and working closely with children and young people with physical needs
• Building the capability of those who are best placed to support learning such as parents, teachers and families
• Identify, set up and provide advice about the environmental changes, support, equipment and technology a child or young person may need
• Enhance inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings
• Working effectively as part of a trans-disciplinary team.

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

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
• 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 for the position you will need:

• A Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy, or its accepted equivalent as required by the New Zealand Physiotherapy Board or Occupational Therapy Board
• To be registered with the Physiotherapy Board or Occupational Therapy Board and to hold a current practicing certificate
• Ability to apply specialist knowledge of theory and practice in the development of appropriate interventions in inclusive educational settings
• Ability to share knowledge and skills to empower both the individual learner and those supporting them
• 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 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.

Learning Support is a critical part of the Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua, Waikato 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”.

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 hr.waikato@education.govt.nz for more information.

Applications close Midnight - 5 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.