Special Education Advisor / Psychologist – Invercargill, Southland

Permanent Full-time position – Based in Invercargill

Kia ora, Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Fakatalofa atu, Kia orana, Malo e lelei, Malo ni, Talofa lava, Tena koutou katoa and welcome.

Help shape the future of Education

At the Ministry of Education, we work together to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.

Our organisation is made up of more than 3,000 talented and committed people around New Zealand, 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 every child, young person and adult student in our education system.

About our group and team

Learning Support is a critical part of the Sector Enablement and Support Group in the Ministry. We are charged with leading the education sector in ensuring 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.

An opportunity exists for a Psychologist or Special Education Adviser to join our team based in Invercargill on a full-time permanent basis. The successful applicant may also be required to provide services across Otago/Southland.

The successful applicant will:-

• have demonstrable knowledge, experience and skills in supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours and students with severe disabilities

• be responsible for providing a range of assessment and intervention services to children as well as establishing effective relationships with parents, families, whānau, educators and others working in the community

• have relevant special education qualifications and/or a current New Zealand Psychologists Board registration

• have a current driver’s licence

• have a current Vaccination Pass

Applicants for the position should be able to demonstrate the following key attributes:-

• Ability to plan and manage time effectively to meet goals and objectives

• Knowledge of the curriculum in schools

• Knowledge and understanding of inclusive education practices

• Ability and willingness to work co-operatively as a team member in a range of contexts

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity and commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Are you ready to make a difference?

We need to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to building racial equity and excellence in the education sector.

We want to provide flexible working environments where everyone feels relevant, valued and supported.

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, your whakapapa
• your interest and motivations for this role
• the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation.

The Ministry invites applications from fully vaccinated people or people with a valid medical exemption (under the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021). We will require evidence of your vaccination status, or your medical exemption, at the pre-employment stage of our recruitment process.

Please review the Job Description and if this opportunity interests you, and you meet the requirements, apply now using the ‘Apply Online’ button.

For further information contact gary.pilsworth@education.govt.nz

Applications close 25 March 2022