Special Education Advisor

Overview

The Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a permanent full-time Special Education Advisor based in Greymouth, West Coast. This role sits within the Learning Support team and is focused on improving outcomes for children and young people with additional learning needs, especially where needs are complex and challenging.

The Ministry’s purpose is to help create an education system that achieves fair and high-quality outcomes for every learner across Aotearoa. The wider organisation includes people from many backgrounds and cultures who work together to make a meaningful difference for students.

What you will do

• Work as part of a trans-disciplinary team supporting children whose needs are complex.
• Partner with educators, parents, caregivers, whānau and other professionals to better understand each child’s behaviour and needs.
• Help develop, carry out, and review personalised learning plans.
• Support the adults around the child to adapt the learning environment so behaviour can be managed more effectively and the environment becomes safer and more stable.
• Support children to build more positive ways of responding and improve participation, wellbeing, and learning progress.
• Connect children and families with broader services and external supports, such as speech and language therapy and local agencies.
• Promote and strengthen inclusive practice in schools and other educational settings.

What we are looking for

• A qualified and fully registered New Zealand teacher.
• Alternatively, someone who is eligible for, or working toward eligibility for, a New Zealand educational psychology internship.
• Additional qualifications in Learning Support would be an advantage.
• Proven knowledge, experience, and capability in supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours.
• Confidence working in partnership with other professionals, agencies, families, and wider sector stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain productive professional relationships.
• A strong commitment to evidence-based interventions, inclusive education practice, and improving student achievement.
• Sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity, along with commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Willingness to follow Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About the team

Learning Support is part of the Sector Enablement and Support Group in the Ministry. The team supports children and young people with additional learning needs so they can reach their potential through education. Special Education Advisor specialists work with families, whānau, caregivers, schools, early childhood educators in both English and Māori medium settings, as well as other agencies, to improve learning outcomes and social inclusion.

Salary and terms

This is a permanent, full-time role in Greymouth, New Zealand. The advertised salary range is NZD 69,966 to NZD 95,716 per year, plus KiwiSaver. The final salary offered will depend on the candidate’s skills and experience.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should include information about the applicant, their values, motivation, strengths, transferable skills, and the perspectives they would bring to the role. For further information, contact Jo Dowell, Service Manager, at jo.dowell@education.govt.nz.

Additional information

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 12 July 2026. If you need support or adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, the Ministry encourages you to let them know so appropriate assistance can be provided.