Speech Language Therapist

**Speech Language Therapist**

**Wellington Region - based in the Masterton office**

**Full time permanent position**
- Kia ora, Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Fakatalofa atu, Kia orana, Malo e lelei, Malo ni, Talofa lava, Tena koutou katoa and welcome._

**About Us**

Learning Support is a critical part of Te Mahua | Te Tai Runga 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.

**About the Masterton team**

We are a multidisciplinary Learning support team who are known around the country for our innovative practice. We are a friendly team working in a transdisciplinary, collaborative and strengths-based way. We have 2 other experienced Speech Language Therapists in our team and also access practice support from across the Wellington region. Our team achieve work life balance by having a small commute with support for flexible work arrangements.

Working in the Wairarapa offers the opportunity to have all the advantages of being close to a big city but also the benefits of a small town. We have no traffic lights in the Wairarapa The rents and house prices are reasonable, we have easy access to beaches, rivers, tramping and cycling trails as well as award winning vineyards and restaurants Our climate is warmer than Wellington and the people are very friendly.

**About this role**

As a Speech Language Therapist, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

- Working to understand the impact of children and young people's speech and language difficulties in the context of their home, school and community.
- Working closely with parents, caregivers, teachers and other specialists to help them support their children with the development of speech, language and communication skills.

**About you**

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated person with a current recognised qualification in speech-language therapy to join our innovative and energetic team. We provide a friendly, supportive environment with an excellent professional network.
- The successful applicant will be able to work effectively across both school and early childhood sectors.
- Responsibilities will include working with children and young people, their parents, caregivers, whanau, educators and other Learning Support personnel in delivering speech and language services.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential as is an ability to work in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Skills in the area of Hanen, early intervention, working with children with complex learning/communication needs and knowledge of the early childhood and/or school curriculum are an advantage.
- Experience and confidence in delivering group training to parents and educators is an essential part of the role.
- Applicants must be eligible for membership to the NZSTA.
- A full current driver's licence is essential as travel is a requirement of the role.

Overseas applicants should have their qualifications approved by New Zealand Speech-Language Therapy Association (NZSTA) in order to determine that they are suitable for working within New Zealand.

Applications close** Wednesday 30 November (midnight)