Educator - Alternative Education

Educator - Alternative Education

Kaiurungi Waka Ākonga - Steerer of the learners' canoe

Kāpiti Youth Support- KYS www.kys.org.nz 

Kāpiti Coast, Wellington

Education/Youth

Full time, some flexible hours

KYS is a Youth One Stop Shop (YOSS) situated on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast, providing a range of free health, mental health, wellbeing and social services to rangatahi aged 10- 24 years. KYS is an innovator and leader in its field and fosters a supportive environment, with a focus on the overall wellbeing of rangatahi and their whānau. KYS has a team of experienced, energetic professionals who deliver collaborative, integrated, holistic services and programmes to more than 5400 rangatahi living in Kāpiti.

The role

KYS delivers the MOE-funded contract to provide a supported learning environment for ākonga in Kāpiti aged 13-16 years, who are unable to attend mainstream education.  

We are seeking an experienced Educator to deliver and further develop the educational programme. The programme operates from a strengths-based approach that integrates ‘hands on’ learning with youth development and trauma-informed practices. Our goal is to provide a safe place, which features stable relationships with positive adults and peers, as a foundation for re-engaging students in learning. 

The key role for the Educator is to plan and deliver an effective and individualised programme for ākonga.

By effective we mean:

1. You are actively developing opportunites that empower and positively support ākonga through their educational journey. 
2. You are part of a team who work collaborativelly to achieve positive outcomes for ākonga.
3. You are contributing to a positive and collaborative working relationship with education providers who are referring ākonga to the programme. 
4. Ākonga are welcomed into a positive group culture where trust and connection with the team/KYS creates a foundation for progress. 
5. The programme achieves both developmental and educational outcomes, and each student is supported to progress from where they are at. 
6. Increased attendanace and engagement in education/programme by/with ākonga.
7. Delivery and achievement of educational outcomes in numeracy and literacy.
8. Connections in the wider community are leveraged to create opportunities for learning and transition. 
9. Classroom learning and activities are well planned and operated safely. 
10. Sharing and contributing to a vision of supporting all ākonga to achieve in education.

The person

The person we are looking for has a passion for working towards transformational change in the lives of ākonga. The particular qualities we are looking for include:

• Identifies with KYS values and culture – www.kys.org.nz
• Has an understanding of youth culture, youth development, educational and developmental outcomes
• Recent/previous work experience, ideally with hard to engage ākonga from diverse backgrounds
• Experience and competence in delivering educational literacy and numeracy standards
• Has (or is working towards) professional educational qualifications and/or relevant experience
• Is able to view ākonga holistically; supporting an integrated approach to care
• Practical understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi
• Commitment to self-awareness and personal growth
• Enjoys working in and being part of a team
• A sense of humour
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Organizational and time management skills
• Effective administrative skills, including computer skills and email
• Motivation, empathy, energy and initiative
• Effective communication skills
• Commitment to supervision
• Networking skills
• An understanding of working in a community-based agency
• Confidentiality, privacy and discretion

What we offer

• The opportunity to work alongside an awesome team of skilled, dedicated professionals who are passionate about the health, wellbeing and education of rangatahi
• A dynamic working environment that is caring, supportive, positive and fun
• Personal development opportunities
• Competitive salary - $65,000 - $75,000. Hours and remuneration is negotiable dependent on qualifications, skills & experience. A comprehensive job description is available on request.

How to apply

Please email Kahli Waghorn, [email protected] with your CV and covering letter.  Applications close Sunday 23rd June 2024.

To find out more about KYS visit our website – www.kys.org.nz