Kaiawhina/Learning Assistant

Richmond Road School; Auckland; On-site; NZD 36,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers is seeking a compassionate Kaiawhina - Learning Assistant to provide one-on-one learning support for a vibrant young person with autistic tendencies. You will help navigate daily learning, reduce anxiety, and foster independence, social confidence, and communication skills.

Role requires patience, reflective listening, and ability to follow behaviour guidelines.

Qualifications

• Experience with neurodiverse children or individuals with autism is highly advantageous.
• Exceptional patience, calm demeanor, and strong active-listening skills.
• Clear, concise, and empathetic communication style.
• Ability to follow behaviour support guidelines consistently.
• Understanding of Te Whare Tapa Whā or culturally responsive support is valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored one-on-one learning support during structured activities.
• Utilize visual aids and schedules to help manage daily transitions and routine changes.
• Implement proactive strategies to help the child co-regulate during moments of sensory overload or anxiety.
• Encourage peer interaction, social integration, and academic confidence.
• Maintain open, positive communication with whānau, teachers, and specialists.

Skills

Neurodiverse experience

Active listening

Empathetic communication

Clear communication

Following behaviour guidelines

Job description

We are seeking a compassionate, reliable and patient Kaiawhina - Learning Assistant to provide one-on-one support for a vibrant young person with autistic tendencies. Your main objective is to assist them in navigating their daily learning environment, reducing anxieties, fostering independence and building social confidence and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

Provide tailored one-on-one learning support during structured activities.

Utilize visual aids and schedules to help manage daily transitions and routine changes.

Implement proactive strategies to help the child co-regulate during moments of sensory overload or anxiety.

Encourage peer interaction, social integration, and academic confidence.

Maintain open, positive communication with whānau, teachers, and specialists.

Skills and Experience

Prior experience working with neurodiverse children or individuals with autism is highly advantageous.

Exceptional patience, a calm demeanor, and strong active-listening skills.

Clear, concise, and empathetic communication style.

Ability to follow behavior support guidelines consistently.

Understanding of Te Whare Tapa Whā or a commitment to culturally responsive support is valued.

Te Reo Māori is advantageous as the position is in a Rumaki Māori environment (full immersion Māori setting)

Requirements

Must have the right to work in Aotearoa - New Zealand.

Subject to a Police Vet/Vulnerable Children's Act check.

What we Offer

A deeply rewarding role where you can make a genuine, visible impact.

Ongoing support and professional development in neurodiversity practices.

Consistent hours that fit well around lifestyle commitments.

Details

Hours: Term time only: Tuesday to Friday 10:30am to 3:00pm.

Tenure: Fixed term contract to 17 December 2026. This could be longer.

Pay Rate: $27.25 per hour as per Support Staff Collective Agreement.

Farm Cove, Auckland, NZ