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
Advisor on Deaf Children.
Based in one of the following locations:
Permanent, full time.
Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education is looking for an Advisor on Deaf Children to be part of our close-knit, community-focused team. We offer a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity.
As an Advisor on Deaf Children, you will play a critical role in our region’s Northland | Te Tai Tokerau Learning Support team by:
- Providing high quality learning support in accordance with the Ministry’s practice framework He Pikorua to babies and children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families.
- Strengthening the capability of the adults around the babies and children who are best placed to support their learning, families, schools, and teachers.
- Providing professional support and guidance to, building and strengthening the capacity of those who are best placed to support the learning of these babies and children.
- Understanding the families’ needs, collaboratively planning, supporting, and monitoring the implementation of intervention plans.
- Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child’s needs are complex.
You will develop and maintain collaborative relationships with a range of professional partners, community, sector groups and support agencies to ensure that the support services they provide for babies, children, and their family and whānau is coordinated and effective in meeting their needs.
This position has an early year’s focus, birth to Year 3 at school.
Salary range: $69,966 - $118,450 per annum + 3% 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 in this role, you will have a passion and expertise to support excellent educational outcomes for Deaf / Hard of Hearing Children. We are looking for someone with the skills and commitment to family centred practices.
You will have:
1. A Master of Specialist Teaching (Adviser on Deaf Children or Deaf and Hard of Hearing) OR
2. A Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) OR
3. A Postgraduate Specialist Teaching qualification and professional registration (with an interest and experience in working with deaf children or the deaf community)
4. A Speech Language Therapist qualification with at least two years’ experience in that role
5. A Teacher of the Deaf qualification with at least two years’ experience in that role
If your qualification is one of those numbered 3-5 above, you will be required to complete an Adviser on Deaf Children – Master of Specialist Teaching - Massey University within four years of being appointed to the role.
If you obtained your Speech Language Therapist qualification overseas, please visit the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association to determine whether you are eligible for membership under the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) or if your qualifications need to be assessed.
For information on having all other overseas obtained qualifications evaluated for use in New Zealand please visit International Qualification Assessment (IQA) - NZQA
You will also have:
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
Te Mahau | Te Tai Raro is a frontline group. Our frontline groups collectively provide leadership and integrated services to the sector and others. This includes services, such as learning support and education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services.
Learning Support ensures 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. Hear from some of our people
Whangārei is our regional office. Kaitaia and Kerikeri each have approximately 20 staff. There are five learning support teams across our three offices. All these offices has a caring and supportive environment where a collaborator who places tamariki at the epicentre of their practice will fit in well with the integrated teams kaupapa.
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 Debbie Costello, Service Manager at Debbie.costello@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight – Wednesday 18th March, 2026
Note If you are applying from overseas, please clearly outline in your cover letter your plans for relocating to New Zealand and the status of your work visa or residency application.
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.
