Connector Support | Permanent | Palmerston North at Ministry of Social Development

Palmerston North City, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 Jan, 26

Salary

72990.0

Posted On

21 Oct, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Understanding of Enabling Good Lives Principles, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Interaction, Judgment, Data Management, Relationship Building, Problem Solving, Sensitivity, Discretion, Community Engagement, Information Sharing, Resource Management, Support Implementation, Networking, Planning, Adaptability

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Join a collaborative and engaging team Make a positive difference in the lives of disabled people families and whānau Permanent, Palmerston North based role Join a team that is dedicated to making a difference in the Manawatu community.About our team | Mō te tīma: The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau. We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively. We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making. It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities. We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.About the role | Mō te tūnga: This Enabling Good Lives teams are essential to the Enabling Good Lives approach and make a significant positive impact on the lives of disabled people, tangata whaikaha, whānau and communities. The team is diverse and proactively aims to reflect the population we serve. As a team we work as an ally who assist disabled people, their whanau and local communities to dream big, make a plan for the future and connect. This role makes a significant contribution to the transformation of the disability system and the wider community which enables disabled people and whānau to have more choice and control over their lives and the supports they use. As the Connector Support, you’ll work closely with Connectors and community organisations to ensure timely and appropriate information is shared and easily accessible. To achieve this, you’ll work directly with disabled people and whanau to support and implement good life plans and community connections. You will also be responsible for creating and maintaining networks and an easy to use resource data-base and management of the participant record database Key responsibilities include: Build, develop and maintain trusting relationships with disabled people, tangata whaikaha and whānau. Assess and understand the nature of the enquiry and the most appropriate solution Respond to all enquiries about mainstream community options and the disability system with accurate, timely and useful information that meets the communication and information needs of disabled people, tangata whaikaha and their whānau Accurately record key information and update data for disability resources, networks and events. Please be aware this role is located in Palmerston North. To find out more about the Enabling Good Lives approach please visit https://www.enablinggoodlives.co.nz/ We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community. Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you. What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga: A strong understanding of the enabling Good Lives principals and approach, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability. Demonstrated ability to provide accurate and useful information you will be responsive to disabled people, tangata whaikaha and whānau in a way that is easy to use. Sound judgement in prioritising enquiries and identifying those that need an immediate response Experience working in an environment that requires a high level of discretion, sensitivity and interpersonal interaction. Excellent communication skills and ability to adapt your method of communicating to the situation and person and Proactive with the ability to work independently with a high workload in complex circumstances. Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga: A copy of the postion description can be found here. Connector Support postion description.Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $60,707.00 - $72,990.00 Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Tuesday 4 November 2025. About us | Mō mātou: The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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. 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. How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono: To 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.nz Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate. Joining us | Ko te hono mai: Joining 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. You can find out more about our values here. If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

As the Connector Support, you will work closely with Connectors and community organizations to ensure timely and appropriate information is shared. You will assist disabled people and their whānau in implementing good life plans and maintaining a resource database.