Speech and Language Therapist

Speech Language Therapist
- Full-Time Permanent
- Southland Office

Help shape the future of Education
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

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga (learners) and whānau (families).
We help shape the policies, settings and performance of the education system for early learning, schooling and tertiary. We do this by building relationships and understanding the needs of those who receive our services.

We are making significant changes to how we deliver our mahi | work by
- Taking practical action to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi.
- Improving feedback loops and information flows.
- Giving priority to regional and local voice.
- Delivering greater responsiveness, accessibility and integrated services and support.

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people across Aotearoa | 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 Te Mahau in Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education.
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 practitioners 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.
To learn more about Learning Support, the roles we offer, frequently asked questions, and more, click here.

Mō tēnei tūranga | 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
- Building and strengthening the capability of those who are best placed to support learning such as parents, teachers and whānau
- Providing high quality learning support in line with the practice framework He Pikorua guiding principles and content of the curricula delivered in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Home - He Pikorua (education.govt.nz)
- Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.

Mōhou ake | About you

**To be successful you will need**:

- A Bachelor or Masters degree in Speech-Language Therapy or an equivalent that meets the requirements of the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists Association
- In-depth knowledge of theory, research and practice related to speech-language, child and human development and learning and behaviour
- Ability to translate professional knowledge into practical information
- 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
- A full driver licence.

**Please note**:
"The Ministry encourages all employees to be fully vaccinated although currently this is a voluntary requirement. There is no requirement to show evidence of your vaccine status as this role is not covered by the Public Health (Vaccinations) Order."

What can we offer you?
We offer a competitive salary and terms and conditions including access to ongoing, high-quality professional learning and development.

In addition, our practitioners tell us they value the following:

- “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 [practitioners] from other disciplines. It enhances my own practice and thinking”.

Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi? | Are you ready to make a difference?

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 pe