Special Education Advisor - Wellington Region
Locations: Lower Hutt, Porirua, Masterton, 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
We have permanent, full-time Special Education Advisor positions (1.0 FTE each) based in our Lower Hutt, Porirua and Masterton regional offices. The positions will work within the Porirua and Tararua local areas with flexibility to work across the Greater Wellington region as the business needs requires. You will join a supportive trans-disciplinary team where whanaungatanga and working responsively is valued.
The Special Education Advisor provides effective, efficient and equitable learning support for students who cannot readily access the curriculum in accordance with the goals, objectives and policies of the Ministry of Education.
The ideal candidate would have proven experience in working and supporting tamariki with High and Complex Needs and experience in challenging behavioural needs.
As a Special Education Advisor, 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 complex needs.
Collaboratively develop, implement, and monitor an effective personalised learning plan.
Helping the adults around the child to make changes to the learning environment to 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: $69,966.00 - $118,450.00 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.
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 demonstrable knowledge, experience, and skills in supporting children and young people with complex needs.
Have an ability and willingness to work in collaborative partnership with other professionals, agencies, families and the sector.
Bring excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including an ability to sustain productive professional relationships.
Offer 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.
Full NZ Drivers Licence or the ability to obtain one within an agreed time.
You will also offer:
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 take practical action to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga.
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
Te Mahau | Te Tai Runga provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and others. This includes learning support; education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services; and advice and support with curriculum. We also share practice and learnings collaboratively with other Te Mahau and Ministry groups to support insights driven guidance, design, and policy.
Our Learning Support specialists work closely with families, whānau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Māori medium settings and with 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.
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.
For further information, please contact Kerry McBride, Service Manager, Tararua at kerry.mcbride@education.govt.nz or Ellie Tofts, Service Manager, Wellington North, Tawa & Porirua at
Applications close Midnight – Wednesday 9 April 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.
