Social Services Jobs in Palmerston North City, New Zealand (Now Hiring) — 10 open

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 | Mō tēnei tūranga

• Fixed Term until 18 December 2026 | Part time (0.6FTE)
• Palmerston North office

As a Special Education Adviser, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

• Working collaboratively with a team around the child, including educators, parents, caregivers and whānau, to enhance understanding about the child and their behaviours. 
• Collaboratively develop, implement, and monitor an effective personalised learning plan. 
• 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 improve 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.
• Enhancing inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings.

Salary range: $85,416 - $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 | Mōhou ake

To be successful you will need: 

• Relevant Diploma qualification, Bachelor of Education or Teaching, Post-graduate Diploma in Early Intervention / Special Education / Educational Psychology.
• Experience working with children and young people with learning and behavioural needs in a classroom or other relevant setting.
• Experience of supporting education and other professionals to meet the needs of children and young people with additional learning needs.
• 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.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.
• Integrate Te Ao Māori and use subject matter knowledge and experience to strengthen cultural solutions for the learner and whānau.
• Have a level of competence in Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga and be able to link this expertise to work alongside colleagues and specialists in a bi-cultural way.
• Ability to work effectively in Māori settings including the auraki education system and Māori education from kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, wharekura and whare wānanga
• 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 Ministry of Education. 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 maximize learning outcomes and promote social inclusion.

The Manawatū Learning support team are a strong, cohesive and collaborative team working in progressive and innovative ways. If you have always wanted to work in a transdisciplinary and highly supportive team environment, then this role would be the one for you.

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

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. 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 Hayley Keir, Service Manager at [email protected]

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday, 12 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.