Job Opportunity - Deaf Youth Interns

Job Advertisement - click here for the NZSL translation

Who are we looking for?

Are you enthusiastic and proactive with a passion for connecting with Deaf youth (18-30 years old)? Are you a Deaf NZSL user?  Do you want to gain experience working in the public sector? 

The New Zealand Sign Language Board want to build genuine and lasting relationships with the Deaf youth population.   You will work with the NZSL Senior Advisor (NZSL) and Advisor (NZSL) to deliver the ‘Deaf Youth’ project and report to the NZSL Board about how Deaf Youth connect with NZSL.  The approach to this work will be to travel around New Zealand, meeting and delivering workshops with Deaf Youth and stakeholders to understand the needs of this population.  The information will form the basis of strategic approach to supporting this group of NZSL users.  

Experience and attributes:

• Be a fluent user of New Zealand Sign Language
• Previous participation in Deaf Youth activities at a local or national level
• Have basic English skills Confident meeting and talking with a wide group of people, Deaf and hearing
• Comfortable connecting with people using digital platforms such as online surveys and making vlogs
• Happy to take direction and get hands on
• Be action oriented and flexible about availability Have honesty and integrity
• Be willing to travel in New Zealand

The Office for Disability Issues is the focal point within government for the development and implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy (2016-26) and Disability Action Plan in order to give effect to the progressive realisation of disabled peoples’ rights and opportunities as described in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

The Office also provides secretariat support to the New Zealand Sign Language Board – organising meeting attendance, taking minutes, developing papers for the Board, and supporting the Board’s work programme to maintain and promote NZSL through the NZSL Strategy and the NZSL fund.

The Office sits within the Policy group of MSD.  The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is one of the lead agencies for the social sector.  We help the Government to set priorities across the sector, co-ordinate the actions of other social sector agencies and track changes in the social wellbeing of New Zealanders. 

How to Apply  

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any questions please contact us via email at jobs@msd.govt.nz  

Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience and capability relates to the competencies listed in the position description.

If you are interested in the job, please follow this link  to the job advertisement to apply.