Job Type: Permanent

Location:Napier, 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 ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

Advisers on Deaf children (Ao DC) work alongside children identified as Deaf or hard of hearing and their families and whānau from birth to Year 3 at school.

Advisers on Deaf children:

• Work with family, whānau and educators about the best ways to support the child at home and in their learning environments.
• provide ongoing advice and guidance on communication and language development to meet the aspirations and needs of the child and their family and whānau through early childhood and into school.
• work together with parents, whānau, educators and others as a team. Teams work collaboratively to develop a plan and to provide information and a range of supports as required.

The support Advisers on Deaf children provide:

• is family and whānau-centred
• is in the child's natural settings – homes, education settings and communities
• uses an adult coaching approach for family, whānau and educators
• uses a routines and strengths-based approach with family and whānau when identifying goals for their children
• enables teams to work in a culturally responsive way.

The Advisers on Deaf children will:

• Manage relationships and work collaboratively with key stakeholders to enable our children to access an education that meets their needs and supports them to be actively engaged in their environments.
• Provide specialist support to babies and children who are deaf and hard of hearing, and their whānau.
• Provide professional support and guidance to early learning centres, kohanga, schools and kura including specialist intervention plans.
• Maintain a level of technical and professional skill and knowledge which enables them to provide the support that is required follows an ‘informed choice’ approach ensuring that families and whānau are fully informed and have a good understanding of all communication pathways, including New Zealand Sign Language.

Salary range: $69,966 - $118,450 per annum + 3% Kiwi Saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported.
• The ability to purchase extra days leave.
• A range of employee network groups.
• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey.
• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments.
• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role you will:

• require a passion for working in a team that prioritises working with children and whanau as they navigate various challenges.
• be passionate about diversity and demonstrate your ability to work with Māori and Pacific communities, and ākonga with learning support needs.
• seek opportunities to tailor the initiative to meet the diverse needs of communities and continuously make improvements so that it has the best outcomes for ākonga and their whānau.
• prioritise building great relationships and partnerships with people at all levels of the organisation.
• have a team mindset and flexibility to work across multiple workstreams to achieve the group outcomes and priorities.
• adapt to working in a fast-paced environment.
• have excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• have the ability to apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• actively support healthy and productive relationships between schools, Ministry staff, communities and providers to achieve the best outcomes for ākonga and their whānau

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua (Central) is a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the sector and others.

Learning Support is a critical part of the Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua (Central) 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, 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. (Please see the following link: Recruitment within Learning Support – Careers in Education)

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 Tangi Geary at tangi.geary@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 6 October 2024.

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.