Speech Language Therapist

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 ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a 6-month fixed term, full-time position based in our Henderson Office.

The purpose of the Speech Language Therapist is to provide effective, efficient and equitable speech and language therapy services in accordance with the goals, objectives and policies of the Ministry of Education.

As a Speech Language Therapist within Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | the Ministry of Education you will:

• Work to understand the impact of the child’s speech and language difficulties in the context of their home, school and community.
• Work closely with parents, caregivers, teachers and other specialists to help children and young people with the development of speech and language skills.
• Talk to the adults in a child’s life to find out about a child or young person’s overall development and behaviour so they can identify what their individual communication needs are.
• Interpret, apply research findings, and contribute towards research agendas and policy development.
• Provide peer supervision and make decisions in accordance with the Ministry’s policies and delegations framework.

You will also have the following Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in speech-language therapy or an equivalent that meets the requirements of the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists’ Association.
• To be eligible to be a member of the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists’ Association.

Salary range: $69,966 – 118,450 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. 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.

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.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in the role, you will need:

• Experience in a complex organisation.
• Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.

You will be able to offer specialist knowledge of theory, research and practice related to:

• Typical and atypical child and human development.
• Speech-language therapy and practice.
• Early childhood development, learning and behavuour for typical and atypical children.
• Multi-lingual development and its impact on language development for children with and without communication difficulties.

You will offer broad knowledge of:

• Te Whāriki: Early Childhood Curriculum and Te Whāriki a te Kōhanga Reo, the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga Disability sector.
• Relevant legislation, policy and best practice.
• Relevant health and welfare entitlements and community services.
• The significance of identity, language and culture through all services and supports.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Our team provides 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.

As a frontline group we develop and harness existing relationships with communities at the regional and local level through the Directors of Education, including deep relationships with iwi and hapū. Our Directors of Education have the lead role and relationship with early learning, kōhanga, school and kura, and this means they will be across all the services we provide at a local level.

We also collectively strengthen relationships with our diverse communities who support Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga and/or ākonga with learning support needs, and ākonga from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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 Mel Haines at Recruitment.TamakiHT@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Monday 25 November 2024.

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.