Job Description
Psychologist
Fixed-term, full-time
Palmerston North
Kia ora, Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Fakatalofa atu, Kia orana, Malo e lelei, Malo ni, Talofa lava, Tena koutou katoa and welcome.
Help shape the future of education
At the Ministry of Education, we work together to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.
Our organisation is made up of more than 3,000 talented and committed people around 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 the Sector Enablement and Support 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, whanau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Maori medium settings and other agencies to help maximise learning outcomes and promote social inclusion.
About this role
As a Psychologist you will play a critical role in our region’s Learning Support team by:
identifying patterns or contributing factors that may be influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour
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 in-depth specialist assessment and analysis for evidenced informed interventions
working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child’s needs are complex.
About you
To be successful you will need:
a Masters level tertiary qualification and a post-graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent
to be registered under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and to hold a current practicing certificate
ability to translate specialist 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.
the ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.
What can we offer you?
We offer a competitive salary and a flexible work environment. In addition, our specialists tell us they value the following:
‘The ability to make a positive difference in the lives of children, young people and their whanau 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’
Are you ready to make a difference?
We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds who will enrich our understanding of the education system.
As a government agency, the Ministry is committed to keeping to the Treaty of Waitangi’s guiding principles in our work for and with Maori students, their whanau, hapu and iwi.
