Psychologist

Job Type: Permanent- Location: Timaru, NZ**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 and whānau.

We shape the policies, settings and performance of the education system for early learning, schooling and tertiary.

**We are making significant changes to how we deliver our purpose.**

So that we:

- Take practical action to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- Give priority to regional and local voice.
- Deliver greater responsiveness, accessibility and integrated services and support.
- Improve feedback loops and information flows.

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.

**Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role**

As a Psychologist, you will play a critical role in our region’s Learning Support team by;
- Enhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings.
- Providing professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families and building the capacity of those who are best placed to support the learning of children and young people.
- Providing appropriate specialist assessment and analysis for collaboratively planned, evidence informed interventions.
- Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.
- There may also be opportunities for involvement in project work, as well as individual casework, targeted (group) work, and universal (systems level) work.
- ‘Thinking outside the box'' and collaboration with others is encouraged, to ensure positive outcomes for students.

This position is permanent full time.

We also offer:

- Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported. The role is Wellington-based, remote working arrangements with regular days in the Wellington office can be considered.
- 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.

**Mōhou ake | About you**

You will be a New Zealand Registered Psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and hold a current practicing certificate OR be registered as an Intern. You will have a master’s level tertiary qualification and a post-graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

You will also have / be able to demonstrate:

- 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.
- Ability to translate practitioner knowledge into practical information to upskill the adults around a child.
- 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 current driver's licence is essential. Travel across the district is a requirement of the role.

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

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