Special Education Adviser

Job Type: Permanent- Location: Christchurch, NZ**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**

As a Special Education Adviser, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team (South Canterbury, based in Timaru Office) 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.

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 you will:

- Be a qualified and fully registered NZ teacher. Additional qualifications in Learning Support would be an advantage.
- Demonstrable knowledge, experience, and skills in supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours.
- The ability to develop and interact effectively with people of other cultures focusing or relationship and recognising their identity, language and culture as a source of strength.
- To demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with ākonga, whānau and Kaiako across a diverse range of settings.
- A genuine commitment to evidence-based interventions, which demonstrate inclusive education practice and contribute to raising student achievement.
- An ability and willingness to work in collaborative partnership with other professionals, agencies, families, and the sector.
- A full current driver's licence is essential. Travel across the district is a requirement of the role.
- The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

**About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake**

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whanau. To better deliver on this, we are currently undergoing an organisational desigh change. The transition phase to improve the way we deliver our purpose will be complete in 2023.

For additional information on the changes we are embarking on, please visit **here.**

Learning Support is a critical part of the Te Mahau | Te Tai Runga _(South)_ Group in the Ministry. We ensure 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.

Our specialists tell us they value:

- “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 specialists from other disciplines. It enhances my own practice and thinking”.

To learn more about Learning Support, the roles we offer, frequently asked questions, and more, click here

**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