Job Description
Psychologist and/or Special Education Adviser (1 position)
Wellington (Porirua office based)
Full-time
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 the psychologist role
As a Psychologist you would 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 the following:
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 practising 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.
About the special education adviser role
As a Special Education Advisor you will play a critical role in our region’s Learning Support team by:
delivering a behaviour-focused service in both the early childhood and school sectors. You will work primarily with the adults around the child or young person to promote their overall wellbeing, develop their positive behaviour and enhance their achievement
demonstrating strengths in behavioural assessment, collaborative planning, and in supporting/monitoring the implementation of individual plans for students with challenging behaviours and/or complex needs
working effectively within a multi-disciplinary team and establishing effective relationships with educators, parents, families/whanau and others working in the community
developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with a range of professional partners, community and sector groups and support agencies so as to ensure that services provided are co-ordinated and effective
helping to enhance the quality of broader inclusive educational practice in early learning services, schools and other educational settings.
About yourself
We welcome applications from people with relevant experience in supporting students with challenging behaviours, to work in this role.
Ideally, you are:
a skilled teacher with post graduate qualifications and experience working with children and young people with challenging behaviours and learning needs
experienced in supporting other education professionals/peers in meeting the needs of children and young people with additional needs, by delivering professional development as required and building adult capability
an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with children, young people and their families and teachers across a diverse range of settings
knowledgeable around tikanga and Te reo Maori at some level, given our commitment to understanding and applying the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
in possession of a current driver’s licence, essential for the travel component of the role.
What can we offer you?
We offer a competitive salary and terms and conditions. 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, including Maori, Pacific and those with disabilities, 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.
For further information, please contact Des James at 04 463 2845.
