Behaviour Specialist

• KiwiSaver + Phone + Laptop
• EAP Support
• Respectful Culture + Training Development Opportunities
• Based in Auckland

Who we are | Ko wai mātou

HealthCare New Zealand is one of Aotearoa's largest health sector employers. We support and empower people in need to live independently, safely and well in their community. Our commitment is to provide a way of working with those we support, stakeholders, business partners and staff based on our values - respect, support and excellence.

As part of HealthCare New Zealand's Disability Services, Explore Hāpainga Ora is the national provider for behaviour support in Aotearoa New Zealand. We provide specialist behaviour support services to disabled people of all ages by working with their families/whānau and support networks. Explore work with a culturally diverse population and is committed to supporting disabled people in a culturally responsive manner.

About the role | He kōrero whakamārama mō tēnei tūranga

The key purpose of the Behaviour Specialist role is to deliver quality services based on a positive behaviour support framework for people eligible for disability support services funded through the Ministry of Social Development. We are funded to undertake diagnostic assessments (intellectual disability). The role will be based in Auckland.

An exciting opportunity open to:

• Psychologists

You will join a team of:

• Psychologists
• Behaviour Therapists/Specialists (BCBAs)
• People with a tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or at least 3 years relevant experience in the disability field
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Social Workers
• Teachers

What you will bring | Ngā tohungatanga mō tēnei tūranga

• Experience in the field of disability, diagnostic assessments and/or behaviour support
• A current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) where this is required
• An understanding of and commitment to Health and Disability Commissioner Act Regulations (HDC) - Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights
• An understanding and commitment to  The Treaty of Waitangi and bi-cultural practice
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport; proactive and responsive to kirataki/client needs and colleagues/team needs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including competence in professional report writing
• A current full New Zealand driver's licence
• Proven ability to work in teams and in a 'transdisciplinary' manner
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of evidence-based behavioural approaches
• An understanding of Positive Behaviour Support
• An understanding of communication and the relationship with behaviour
• Experience of  functional assessment and implementation of a behaviour plan
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and client management systems
• Ability to travel and flexibility to stay overnight to meet the demands of the role

Why Us | He aha ai mātou?

• We will support you to learn the role
• We recognise the importance of work/life balance, and we provide a workplace with flexibility
• We promote a safe and supportive environment where colleagues can share and learn from one another
• We pride ourselves on providing competitive salaries, supervision and professional development and progression to ensure you can deliver the best support for our clients and achieve successful outcomes

How to apply | Me pēhea ki te tono

Please apply via our website on the link below with your CV and a cover letter.Only applications submitted through the website will be considered.

Applications close | Te katinga o tenei whai turanga: 05 December 2025

Only suitable candidates will be contacted for interview and applications will be reviewed as they are received, therefore resulting in the role closing early if the right applicant is found.

Applicants for this position must be a NZ Resident/Citizen or have a valid NZ work permit.