Permanent, full-time role

Tauranga, Bay of Plenty

Help shape the future of Education

He mea tārai e mātou te mātauranga kia rangatira ai, kia mana taurite ai ōna huanga

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

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whānau.

We help shape the policies, settings and performance of the education system for early learning, schooling and tertiary. We do this by building relationships and understanding the needs of those who receive our services.

We are making significant changes to how we deliver our mahi by

• Taking practical action to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Giving priority to regional and local voice.
• Delivering greater responsiveness, accessibility and integrated services and support.
• Improving feedback loops and information flows.

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people across Aotearoa | 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

Te Mahau | Te Tai Whenua (Central) is a frontline group. Our frontline groups will collectively provide 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.

To learn more about Learning Support, the roles we offer, frequently asked questions, and more, click here.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

The Service Manager role presents an exciting and rewarding opportunity to raise achievement, reduce disparity and help New Zealand's young learners to be the best they can be.

You will lead and work with a committed, professional team delivering a range of Learning Support specialist education services to children and young people. You and your team will work with early childhood providers and schools to strengthen inclusive practices, raise student achievement and deliver on communities' aspirations.

You will have a key role within the Learning Support Delivery Model (LSDM), facilitating the timely provision of services in response to local needs. A focus on Māori-medium settings and better support for Māori learners in general is an important part of our mahi.

Mōhou ake | About you

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following:

• The ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and manage workload and resource issues.
• Develop strong connections and networks across the Ministry, local education providers, iwi, communities and whānau to achieve educational priorities for the region.
• The ability to communicate efficiently and work collaboratively is a high priority skill for this position.
• The ability to work collaboratively within the context of the LSDM to achieve positive outcomes that draw on the combined resources and expertise of the sector, services, and wider community.
• The ability to strengthen sector responses to neurodiversity and a wide range of learning support needs.
• The ability to facilitate the effective use of tools, approaches and people resources that are prioritised within the Learning Support Action Plan.
• Broker support from across the Ministry and other agencies to deliver joined up work programmes tailored to local needs.
• Experience at influencing and leading innovation, people, programmes, and change.
• Ability to assess needs, risks, and performance issues and address gaps proactively.
• Ability to follow through and finish complex or sensitive tasks and issues.
• Reporting and assessing skills.
• Ability to use and interpret data including the ability to use information to influence decisions.
• A big picture view and ability to think strategically.

You will also offer:

• Demonstrated ability to uphold, honour and give practical effect to the Treaty of Waitangi to help shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes for Māori.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in a culturally responsive and respectful ways with Māori, iwi, hapu, whānau and ākonga.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• A current full driver's licence.

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

We need to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to building racial equity and excellence in the education sector. We want to provide flexible working environments where everyone feels relevant, valued and supported.

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, your whakapapa
• your interest and motivations for this role
• the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation.

Please note that this role is affected by the COVID-19 Public Health (Vaccinations) Order 2021.

To be offered this role, the successful applicant will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a medical exemption and provide evidence of their vaccination status.

All applications must be submitted online. For further information, please contact Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email Pennie.Muldoon@education.govt.nz.

Applications close on 13 March 2022.