Part-Time (12 hours per week | 3 hours per day over 4 days)
- Vacancy Number: 2026/6
- Location: Christchurch Head Office
- Hours: Part-Time (12 hours per week | 3 hours per day over 4 days)
- Set Schedule: Monday 08:30–11:30, Wednesday 09:00–12:00, Friday 12:00–15:00
- Fourth Day: By negotiation
- Employment Type: Permanent, Term-time only
- Reports to: Kaihautū / Team Leader
- Agreement: Covered by the Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement (SSSCA). Grade placement (A to D) determined by experience and role requirements.
About Us
Southern Health School (Te Kura Whaiora ki te Tonga) is a state special school providing essential education for ākonga (Years 1–13) whose health needs temporarily prevent them from attending their regular school. Working in partnership with whānau, schools of enrolment, and healthcare professionals, we ensure continuity of learning during illness and support a successful transition back to school or future pathways.
Purpose of the Role
We are seeking an empathetic, reliable, and adaptable Kaiawhina / Teacher Aide to join our Christchurch team. In this role, you will work alongside teachers to deliver tailored learning programmes for individuals and small groups. Your support will be vital in keeping ākonga engaged, building their confidence, and supporting their overall wellbeing during periods of illness and recovery.
Key Responsibilities
- Learning Support: Assist with the delivery of planned lessons (including literacy and numeracy tasks) under teacher guidance. Adapt resources to meet individual learner needs and maintain an organised, well-stocked learning environment.
- Wellbeing & Inclusion: Build positive, trusting relationships with ākonga. Recognize early signs of distress, respond calmly to challenging behaviors, and support personal care needs (e.g., hygiene, mobility) safely and respectfully when required.
- Professional Practice: Work independently within agreed plans, collaborate effectively with the wider teaching team, and maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
Competency Requirements
Core Competencies (Essential)
- Student-Centred Support: Demonstrates deep empathy, patience, and a calm, reassuring manner when working with diverse health and learning needs.
- Clear Communication: Listens actively and communicates respectfully with both students and staff.
- Reliability & Organisation: Follows instructional plans diligently, is exceptionally punctual, and possesses strong organizational skills.
- Adaptability: Easily adjusts to changing student needs, environments, and constructive feedback within a team setting.
Desirable Competencies (Advantageous)
- Prior experience supporting children or youth in education, care, health, or community environments.
- An understanding of diverse learning, behavioural, or complex medical needs.
- Basic digital literacy to comfortably utilize learning tools.
- Cultural competence and a commitment to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Work Eligibility: Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. If you are currently on a work visa, please ensure a copy of your visa is emailed through alongside your CV.
- Safety Checking: Appointment to this position is subject to a satisfactory Ministry of Education Police Vet and ongoing suitability checking to work with children.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and an appointment may be made before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.
A full job description can be found below.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please email your CV and a cover letter to:
📧 bmgr@southernhealth.school.nz
⚠️ Important: You must use the reference 2026/6 as the subject heading of your email.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and an appointment may be made before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.
Closing date is Wednesday 3 June 2026.
Attachments
- Kaiawhina/Teacher Aide: Christchurch Job Description PDF, 116.1 KB
