Special Education Advisor

Job Type: Permanent
Location: Dunedin, NZ
Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes


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 students in our education system.


About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga


As a Special Education Adviser, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by doing the following:


Working collaboratively with a team around the child, including educators, parents, caregivers and whānau, to enhance understanding about the child and their behaviours.
Collaboratively develop, implement, and monitor an effective personalised learning plan.
Helping the adults around the child to make changes to the learning environment so that their behaviour can be more effectively managed, and the situation can be stabilised/made safer. This includes supporting the child to develop more pro-social ways of responding, and improve their participation, wellbeing and learning outcomes.
Facilitating access to wider services and support, in response to individual needs, for example speech and language therapy and local agencies.
Enhancing inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings.
Salary range: $6+,+66 - $112,270 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.


Please note: This role is also advertised as a Psychologist under requisition #1762 with a different salary range and set of requirements/qualifications. If you are a qualified Psychologist, please use this link to submit your application for the Psychologist role.


About you | Mōhou ake


To be successful you will:


Be a qualified and fully registered NZ teacher. Additional qualifications in Learning Support would be an advantage.
Have a Bachelor of Teaching or Post-graduate Diploma in Special Education / Educational Psychology
Demonstrable knowledge, experience, and skills in supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours.
An ability and willingness to work in collaborative partnership with other professionals, agencies, families and the sector.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including an ability to sustain productive professional relationships.
A genuine commitment to evidence-based interventions, which demonstrate inclusive education practice and contribute to raising student achievement.
Sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity and a commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
A full current driver's licence is essential. Travel across the district is a requirement of the role.
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
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.


About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake


Learning support is a critical part of the Te Mahau | Te Tai Runga (Southern) 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.


Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?


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, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.


Applications via email are unable to accepted.


For further information, please contact Tracy Cournane, Learning Support Service Manager, Otago South at tracy.cournane@education.govt.nz


Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 11 May 2025


We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know. Read more