Claimant Support Specialist

Job title: Claimant Support Specialist

Company: Ministry of Social Development


Job description: Claimant Support Specialist | Top Up Team | Historic Claims, WellingtonAbout the Top Ups teamThe Top Ups team is part of the Governments response to the Abuse in State Care, Royal Commission.Any living survivor with a closed claim who received a payment from the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Education, Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Health and/or the Crown Health Financing Agency can register for a top-up payment in line with the Government’s increased redress offer.A key focus for the Top Ups team is to ensure we deliver the best possible outcomes for claimants, and that they encounter mana manaaki (a positive experience every time) whenever they come into contact with us.Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.Claimant Support Specialist

• Fixed-Term or Secondment opportunity to 30 June 2026
• Wellington CBD location

About the roleYou will make a real difference in these customer-centric roles working and supporting claimants who have been unjustly treated in State care, in particular the care of Child, Youth and Family and its predecessors.

• Focused on providing high quality customer-centric service.
• Highly culturally competent – Te Reo me on tikanga Māori.
• Working closely with people to support them through the Historic Claims process.

The Claimant Support Specialist helps claimants through the Top Ups process and is the primary point of contact for them. As a member of this dynamic and innovative team, you will provide end to end support from the initial point of contact, through to the completion of each Top Ups payment. Specifically, you will confirm eligibility and register claims, provide support to claimants by listening about their experience in care, answering any questions they may have about the Top Ups process. You will do this directly by, working closely with claimants, via phone or email contact.The Claimant Support Specialist has knowledge of and is able to manage the claim and communicate effectively with claimants and / or their representatives throughout the life of the claim.This role does not include ordering, reading and redacting claimant files, nor does it include undertaking individualised assessments.We’re keen to hear from people who can/have:

• Exercise sound judgement and political sensitivity.
• Highly effective communication skills.
• Strong client focus.
• Well-developed analytical and conceptual thinking.
• Proven experience working with individuals affected by multiple issues including domestic violence and child abuse.
• A sound understanding of the needs of people who were harmed as a result of trauma.
• Proven ability to engage with professional skills, maintaining boundaries whilst displaying personal attributes that include empathy and understanding towards the claimant.
• Experience supporting and mentoring others.
• A knowledge of practice and policy development processes.
• Flexible and resilient with the ability to cope under pressure.
• Demonstrated experience working with clients from different walks of life.
• Commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and the development of a service that culturally responsive and incorporates tikanga Māori.
• Excellent relationship management skills.

Position DescriptionA copy of the position description can be found here:Salary range: $79,200 – 95,873How to applyTo apply, click the ‘Apply Now’ button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nzInternal MSD Employees- please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as an internal candidate.Closing date: Tuesday, 8th July 2025We will be reviewing applications as they are submitted and may elect to commence interviews prior to the above closing date.About MSDThe Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.Joining usJoining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.

Expected salary: $79200 – 95873 per year

Location: Wellington

Job date: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:27:26 GMT

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