Special Education Advisor

Role overview

The Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a permanent, full-time Special Education Advisor to join its Nelson-based Learning Support team. This role contributes to the broader goal of building an education system that delivers equitable, high-quality outcomes for learners across Aotearoa.

What the role involves

In this position, you will work within a trans-disciplinary team supporting children whose needs are complex. A key part of the role is partnering with educators, parents, caregivers, and whānau to better understand a child’s behaviour and needs.

• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team to support children with complex needs.
• Collaborate with the wider support network around the child to build shared understanding of behaviour and learning needs.
• Help design, put into action, and review personalised learning plans.
• Support adults around the child to adjust learning environments so behaviour can be managed more safely and effectively.
• Encourage more positive responses, stronger participation, better wellbeing, and improved learning outcomes for the child.
• Connect families and schools with additional specialist support and community services such as speech and language therapy and local agencies.
• Promote inclusive practice across schools and other education settings.

Pay and employment details

This is a permanent position based in the Nelson office. The advertised salary band is NZD 69,966 to NZD 106,016 per year, plus KiwiSaver. The appointed salary will depend on the selected candidate’s skills and experience.

About the team

You will be part of Te Mahau | Education Services, which provides integrated support to education settings so they can operate effectively and help improve student achievement, participation, and access. The group focuses on practice and guidance, integrated delivery, and monitoring and improvement across the education system.

What the employer offers

The organisation describes the work environment as highly flexible and supportive, with strong opportunities for professional development.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should include information about your background, values, motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the perspectives you would bring to the role. If you need support or adjustments during recruitment, assistance can be requested.

Additional information

Date advertised: 18 Jun 2026. Job type: Permanent. Location: Nelson, New Zealand. Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 05 July 2026. For further information, contact Leanne Greep, Service Manager, at leanne.greep@education.govt.nz.

Candidate profile

The successful candidate should be a qualified and fully registered New Zealand teacher. Eligibility for, or active progress toward, a New Zealand educational psychology internship is also acceptable. Additional learning support qualifications would be beneficial.

You should have proven experience, knowledge, and practical ability in supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours. The role also calls for strong collaboration skills, sound communication, the ability to build productive professional relationships, a commitment to evidence-based interventions, and sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity. Respect for the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and willingness to uphold Public Service standards of integrity and conduct are also required.