Special Education Advisor

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Education New Zealand in Christchurch is seeking a Special Education Advisor to join the Learning Support team on a permanent part-time basis (0.6 FTE). You will support inclusive practices, provide professional guidance to schools, and lead specialist assessments for evidence-informed interventions.

The role involves collaboration within a trans-disciplinary team, with opportunities for casework, group work, and systems-level work to improve outcomes for students with additional

Qualifications

• A relevant primary or secondary teaching qualification.
• A postgraduate qualification in special education would be advantageous.
• 3+ years teaching experience
• Experience supporting students with additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Enhance inclusive practices in schools and educational settings.
• Provide professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families and build capacity of those who support learning.
• Provide appropriate specialist assessment and analysis for collaboratively planned interventions.
• Work as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.
• There are opportunities for involvement in individual casework, targeted group work, and universal systems-level work.
• Think creatively and collaborate with others to ensure positive outcomes for students.

Skills

Teaching experience

Experience supporting students with

Cross-cultural communication

Education

Postgraduate qualification in special education

Job description

Help shape the future of Education

excellent outcomes

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

Permanent, part time role in the Christchurch Office (0.6 FTE) As a special education advisor, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

• Enhancing inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings.
• Providing professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families and building the capacity of those who are best placed to support the learning of children and young people.
• Providing appropriate specialist assessment and analysis for collaboratively planned evidence informed interventions.
• Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.
• There are opportunities for involvement in individual casework, targeted (group) work, and universal (systems level) work.
• Thinking outside the box' and collaboration with others is encouraged, to ensure positive outcomes for students.

Date advertised: 13 Aug 2026 Job Type: Permanent Location: Christchurch, NZ

Help shape the future of Education

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

Permanent, part time role in the Christchurch Office (0.6 FTE) As a special education advisor, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

• Enhancing inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings.
• Providing professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families and building the capacity of those who are best placed to support the learning of children and young people.
• Providing appropriate specialist assessment and analysis for collaboratively planned evidence informed interventions.
• Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.
• There are opportunities for involvement in individual casework, targeted (group) work, and universal (systems level) work.
• Thinking outside the box' and collaboration with others is encouraged, to ensure positive outcomes for students.

Salary range: $69,966 - $106,016 per annum + 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 | Mōhou ake

• A relevant primary or secondary teaching qualification.
• A postgraduate qualification in special education would be advantageous.
• 3 + years teaching experience
• Experience supporting students with additional needs.

You will also offer:

• The ability to develop and interact effectively with people of other cultures focusing or relationship and recognising their identity, language and culture as a source of strength.
• To demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
• Ability to translate practitioner knowledge into practical information to upskill the adults around a child.
• Ability to co-ordinate service provision in a multi-agency, trans-disciplinary setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with children, young people and their families and teachers across a diverse range of settings.
• A full current driver's licence is essential for this role.
• The ability to work collaboratively within the integrated Learning Support team.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Learning Support is a critical part of the Te Mahau | Te Tai Runga Group in the Ministry. We ensure 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.

Our specialists tell us they value:

• "The ability to make a positive difference in the lives of children, young people and their whānau and contribute to system wide change is a huge plus".
• "The Ministry offers a strong community of practice and the support of a large organisation, so I never feel isolated or alone".
• "I really value the ability to work closely with specialists from other disciplines. It enhances my own practice and thinking".

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

For further information, please contact Juanita Davidson, Service Manager at email: [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight, Thursday 27 August 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.