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 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. This includes services such as learning support and education advice, and regulation functions for schools and early learning services.

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 tÄ“nei tÅ«ranga | About this role

As a Speech Language Therapist, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

• Working to understand the impact of children and young people's speech and language difficulties in the context of their home, school and community.
• Working closely with parents, caregivers, teachers and other specialists to help them support their children with the development of speech, language and communication skills.
• Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.

 Mōhou ake | About you

To be successful you will need:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Speech Language Therapy or an equivalent that meets the requirements of the New Zealand Speech Language Therapists Association.
• Specialist knowledge of theory, research and practice related to speech language, child and human development, and learning and behaviour.
• 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 Tirirti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga