Special Education Advisor

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a Special Education Advisor for a fixed-term, full-time role in Auckland. The advisor will support learning for children with additional needs, working with families, schools and agencies to develop inclusive learning plans and promote positive behaviours.

The role requires a teaching qualification with at least three years of experience and a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education.

Qualifications

• Teaching qualification with a minimum of three years’ teaching experience.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education or equivalent preferred.
• Experience supporting children with learning support needs and challenging behaviours.
• Strong communication and collaboration with families, schools and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Identify patterns influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour.
• Collaborate with the child’s team, including educators, parents and whānau.
• Help adults modify learning environments to improve safety and participation.
• Facilitate access to services (e.g., speech therapy) as needed.
• Plan, monitor and support individual learning plans.
• Promote inclusive practices across early learning services and schools.

Skills

Teaching collaboration

Behaviour support

Communication skills

Māori engagement

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

Driver licence

Evidence-based practice

Education

Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education

Teaching qualification with 3+ years experience

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role

We have a fixed-term, full-time opportunity available until July 2027. We are looking for a full time Special Education Advisor to be part of a community-focused team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning support needs.

• Identifying patterns or contributing factors that may be influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour.
• Working collaboratively with a team around the child, including educators, parents, caregivers and whānau, to enhance understanding about the child and their behaviours.
• Helping the adults around the child to make changes to the learning environment so that their behaviour can be more effectively managed, and the situation can be stabilised/made safer. This includes supporting the child to develop more pro‑social ways of responding, and improving their participation, wellbeing and learning outcomes.
• Facilitating access to wider services and support, in response to individual needs, for example speech and language therapy and local agencies.
• Collaboratively assessing, planning, developing, supporting and monitoring the implementation of effective individual (or group) learning plans.
• Enhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings.

Salary range: $69,966 - $106,016 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you

• a teaching qualification with a minimum of three years’ teaching experience
• a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education
• extensive knowledge, experience and skills in supporting children and young people with severe and challenging behaviours and learning needs in a classroom or other relevant settings
• experience in and willingness to work collaboratively and support other education professionals and agencies to meet the needs of children and young people with additional needs
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with children, young people and their families/whānau and teachers across a diverse range of settings
• experience working in Māori-medium settings or the ability to work across Māori informed practice models would be advantageous
• the ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga, including promoting tikanga and te reo Māori
• a genuine commitment to evidence‑based interventions which demonstrate inclusive education practice and contribute to raising student achievement
• a full current driver licence as travel across the region is a requirement of this role
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team

Learning Support is a critical part of the Te Mahau in the Ministry. We are charged with leading the education sector in ensuring that children and young people with additional learning needs are supported to achieve their full potential through education. Our Learning Support specialists work closely with families, whānau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Māori medium settings and other agencies to help maximise learning outcomes and promote social inclusion.

Are you ready to make a difference?

In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Recruitment Waka at [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday 12 November 2026.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging.

If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.