Learning Assistants/Teacher Aides, Wakaaranga School

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers; Howick; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Wakaaranga School in Auckland is seeking Learning Assistants to help students access learning, participate in school life and develop independence. The role supports students with learning, behaviour and health needs, individually or in small groups, across classrooms and the school day.

You will work alongside teachers, use prompts, modelling, visuals, and adapted resources to support students; build positive relationships; and help with health-related tasks while protecting dignity and

Qualifications

• Calm, patient and encouraging approach.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students.
• Willingness to learn and adapt with teachers.
• Experience in learning support or health care is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Help students participate in classroom activities and routines.
• Follow teachers' plans and adapt resources as directed.
• Build warm, trusting relationships and support emotional regulation.
• Notice early signs a student needs help and seek assistance promptly.
• Support health and personal care needs per each student’s plan.

Skills

Relationship building

Patience

Adaptability

Team effort

Student engagement

Observation

Education

Experience with children

Job description

Learning Assistants work alongside teachers to help students access learning, participate in school life and develop positive relationships and independence. The role supports students with learning, behaviour and health needs. Support may be provided to individuals or small groups and may change across classrooms and the school day. This is a varied role where each day can look different, so flexibility is essential.

Key responsibilities

Help students participate in classroom teaching, group work, routines, transitions, trips and other school activities alongside their peers wherever possible.

Follow the teacher's plans and agreed approaches. Use prompts, modelling, visuals, communication supports, adapted resources and assistive technology as directed.

Build on each student's strengths, interests, identity, culture and language; use respectful, strengths based language and maintain high but realistic expectations.

Share relevant observations about engagement, progress and barriers to learning with the teacher.

Give students time to think, respond and attempt tasks before stepping in. Help them solve problems and communicate their needs and choices.

Build warm, trusting relationships so students feel safe, valued and included.

Follow agreed behaviour and communication plans. Respond calmly and consistently, support emotional regulation and encourage positive peer relationships.

Notice early signs that a student needs help, act proactively and seek assistance promptly when needed.

Support assigned health and personal care needs in accordance with each student's agreed plan and school procedures, while protecting dignity, privacy and independence.

About you

Builds positive, trusting relationships with children

Calm, patient and encouraging

Notices where help is needed and takes initiative

Adapts approach and works closely with teachers and other staff

Open to learning the skills and knowledge needed to support students with high health needs

Enjoys being part of a supportive team

Reliable and willing to learn

Ability to connect with students

Experience supporting children or young people is valued

Experience in learning support, behaviour or health care may be an advantage

About us

Wakaaranga School is looking for proactive Learning Assistants to join a supportive team committed to helping students with learning, behaviour and/or health needs participate in school life, build confidence and develop independence.