Special Education Advisor

Role overview

We are seeking a permanent, full-time Special Education Advisor to join the Learning Support team in Invercargill, Southland. This position is focused on helping deliver an education system that is fair, inclusive, and effective for learners across Aotearoa.

The role is based in the Invercargill office and involves supporting children and young people with complex learning and behavioural needs.

What you will do

• Work closely with the child’s wider support network, including teachers, parents, caregivers, and whānau, to build a shared understanding of the child and their behaviour.
• Help create, put into action, and track a tailored learning plan.
• Support adults around the child to adjust the learning environment so behaviour can be managed more effectively and the situation can be made safer and more stable.
• Encourage the child to develop more positive ways of responding, while improving participation, wellbeing, and learning outcomes.
• Connect families and schools with relevant services and community support, such as speech and language therapy and local agencies.
• Promote inclusive practice across schools and other educational settings.

Important note

This position is also listed separately as a Psychologist role under requisition #3735, with a different salary band and different qualification requirements. Qualified psychologists are expected to use the Psychologist application route instead.

Pay and conditions

The salary range for this role is NZD 69,966 to NZD 106,016 per year, plus KiwiSaver. The final offer will depend on the successful candidate’s experience and skills.

Employment type: permanent.

Location: Invercargill, New Zealand.

About the team

The Education Services Group delivers coordinated support and advice to help learning environments operate effectively and improve student participation and achievement. The group works to reduce barriers to learning and provides regulatory support and oversight to early learning services, schools, and kura.

Its priorities include strengthening guidance and consistency, delivering integrated regional and national support, and monitoring service quality, equity, and compliance where needed.

How to apply

Submit a cover letter and CV through the application button. In your cover letter, share information about yourself, your values, your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the perspectives you could bring to the role. Applications cannot be accepted by email.

Additional information

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

For questions about the role, contact Kelly McDermott, Learning Support Service Manager, Southland.

If you need support or adjustments during the recruitment process, assistance can be provided to help you take part fully.