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 | Mō tēnei tūranga

We are looking for a permanent, full-time Special Education Advisor to join our team based in the Kaitāia office in Northland. Kaitāia is rich in culture and heritage combining stories of the first settlers, home to five iwi; Ngāti Kuri, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu & Ngāi Takoto; and our Dalmation settlers, each with their own stories intertwining history and special memories and places for each.

Kaitāia is 334 kilometres or approximately a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Auckland. The serene beauty, the peacefulness and our location will leave footprints on your soul. The Far North is the place to come to make memories of your own in our special places.

There are approximately 20 staff based out of this caring and supportive office. We are looking for a collaborative team player who place tamariki at the epicentre of their practice. Our Learning Support specialists work closely with families, whānau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Māori medium settings.

As a Special Education Advisor, you will play a critial role in our region's Leanring Support team by doing the following:

• Working collaboratively with a team around the child, including educators, parents, caregivers and whānau, 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: $80,291 - $106,016 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 | Mōhou ake

You will also offer:

• Demonstrable knowledge, experience, and skills in supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours.
• An ability and willingness to work in collaborative partnership with other professionals, agencies, families and the sector.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including an ability to sustain productive professional relationships.
• A genuine commitment to evidence-based interventions, which demonstrate inclusive education practice and contribute to raising student achievement.
• Bachelor of Teaching or Post-graduate Diploma in Special Education / Educational Psychology.
• Sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity and a commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Te Tai Raro is a frontline group. Our frontline groups will collectively provide leadership and integrated services to the sector and others. This includes services, such as learning support and education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services.

Learning Support ensures 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.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei 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 Debbie Costello, Services Manager at Debbie.Costello@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 6 April 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.