Occupational Therapist

Permanent, full-time
- Based in our Lower Hutt 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 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
We are looking for an Occupational Therapist to be part of a close-knit, community-focused team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning support needs.
As an Occupational Therapist, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

- Building and strengthening the capability of those who are best placed to support learning such as parents, teachers and families
- identifying, setting-up and providing advice about the environmental changes, support, equipment and technology a child or young person may need
- developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with a range of professional partners, community and sector groups and support agencies to ensure that services are coordinated and effective
- enhancing inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings
- working effectively as part of a transdisciplinary team
- providing high quality learning support in line with the practice framework, He Pikorua's guiding principles and content of the curricula delivered in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Please note there is further information in the attached Job Description.

**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

Mōhou ake | About you
To be successful in this role, you will need to have the following capabilities and competencies:

- a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy or equivalent as approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand
- be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and to hold a current practicing certificate
- the ability to translate specialist knowledge of occupational theory and practice in the development of appropriate interventions in inclusive educational settings
- the 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 ākonga/learners, whānau/families and kaiako/teachers across a diverse range of settings
- the ability to develop and interact effectively with people of other cultures focusing on relationship and recognising their identity, language and culture as a source of strength
- a full driver licence

Mātau rōpū ake | About our ministry, group, and team
Te Mahau | Te Tai Runga (South) is a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the sector and others.
Learning Support is a critical part of the Te Mahau | Te Tai Runga (South) 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.
To learn more about Learning Support, the roles we offer, frequently asked questions, and more, click here.
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, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills,