Speech-Language Therapist

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19); Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) will open in 2027 to educate up to 125ākonga aged 5 to 21 with high and complex learning needs. We seek an experienced Speech-Language Therapist to join our founding team and help establish this new specialist school in Aotearoa.

Working in a transdisciplinary team, you will assess and support speech, language, literacy and social communication, partnering with students, whānau, kaiako and staff to remove barriers to learning and participation.

Qualifications

• Qualified Speech-Language Therapist with eligibility under NZ education requirements.
• Experience supporting diverse learners with communication needs.
• Ability to work within a transdisciplinary school team.

Responsibilities

• Assess and support speech, language, literacy and social communication.
• Collaborate withākonga, whānau, kaiako and specialist staff to remove barriers.
• Develop and implement targeted interventions and supportive strategies.

Skills

Speech-Language Therapy

Collaborative teamwork

Culturally responsive practice

Family/whānau engagement

Problem solving

Education

Speech-Language Therapy qualification

Job description

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19) Manawatu/Whanganui

Speech-Language Therapist

Full time, Permanent

Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Other senior leadership
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts
Fixed Term or Permanent Management Units may be available depending on experience

TeOhanuiSpecialist School | Palmerston North
Kiatupu, kiahua| To grow, to flourish

Help shape the future of specialist education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Opening in Term 3, 2027,TeOhanuiSpecialist School will be the first specialist schoolestablishedin New Zealand in over 50 years. The purpose-built school will provide education for up to 125ākongaaged 5 to 21 with high and complex learning needs.

We areseekingan experienced and passionate Speech-Language Therapist to join our founding team. This is a unique opportunity to helpestablisha new specialist school and make a lasting difference fortamarikiandrangatahi.

Working as part of a transdisciplinary team, you will collaborate withākonga, whānau,kaiako, and specialist staff to remove communication barriers to learning and participation. Through assessment, intervention, and specialist advice relating to speech, language, communication, literacy, and social interaction, you will supportākongato engage, connect, and thrive.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about supporting children and young people with diverse learning and communication needs.
• Values collaborative, learner-centred practice.
• Builds positive relationships withākonga, whānau, and colleagues.
• Demonstrates culturally responsive and inclusive practice.
• Is innovative, reflective, andsolutions-focused.
• Enjoys working within a transdisciplinary team.
• Holds recognised Speech-Language Therapy qualifications that meet eligibility requirements under the Primary Teachers' Collective Agreement.

AtTeOhanui, we believe joy matters. We work alongsideākonga, whānau, andkaiakoto build meaningful relationships, celebrate strengths, and create opportunities for every learner to flourish with dignity, purpose, and belonging.

Remuneration: Salary isin accordance withthe Primary Teachers' Collective Agreement.Fixed-termor permanent management units may be available depending on experience

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19)

Physical address:
374 Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North