Connector Support

About us
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People focuses on listening to and partnering with disabled people, so that they can inform policies and practices and make decisions themselves on the supports that will enable them to live their own good lives; enhancing their mana and self-determination.
The Ministry's mandate is to provide thought leadership and stewardship across the public service on policy settings relating to disabled people. It supports government agencies to better contribute to positive outcomes for disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people, their families and communities.
Whaikaha represents an exciting opportunity to make a real difference for disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people, their families and communities. The call for “Nothing about us, without us” is an integral part in the operation of this agency.

Connector Support / Connector / Specialist Connector - Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People
- Are you passionate about making a difference for disabled people and whānau?
- Do you want to be part of a team that is committed to transforming the disability support system for disabled people, whānau and communities?
- Permanent, Mid Central region

We are looking for a diverse team of Connector Supports, Connectors and Specialist Connectors to work with disabled people and whānau in the Mid Central region based in Palmerston North.

**What the roles do**:
Connector Support
Connector Supports work closely with Connectors to ensure timely and appropriate triaging. They achieve this by working directly with disabled people to support straight-forward changes to service agreements and prioritising enquiries through the client record management system. They also undertake the management and administration of the client record management database.
Connector
Connectors work in partnership with disabled people and whānau to create support options that empower disabled people to achieve their aspirations and Good Life outcomes. Connectors work alongside disabled people and whānau to realise their aspirations and make their own decisions.
Specialist Connector
Specialist Connectors will have specialist skills in one or more of the following areas to better support disabled people and whānau: specialist planning, crisis, safeguarding and complex coordination, transitions to adulthood, provider relationship development, community development and/or planning for a good life.

This pivotal team are essential to the Enabling Good Lives approach and make a significant positive impact on the lives of disabled people, whānau and communities. The team is diverse and proactively aims to reflect the population we serve.
The team works together to work alongside disabled people and whānau to think about options, create possibilities and support decision making about their lives and the resources and connections that would enable them to attain their life objectives. The team works proactively in people's homes, provider organisations, schools and communities to develop relationships with disabled people and whānau and assist them to be aspirational in planning and directing their own lives.
As a team we work as an ally who assists a disabled person and their family to dream big, make a plan for the future and connect with their local community. This role makes a significant contribution to the transformation of the disability system, and enables disabled people and whānau to have more choice and control over the lives they lead and the supports they use.

**To be successful, you will bring**:

- Experience supporting people to think creatively about their life opportunities and how to bring these opportunities into being
- Experience building and maintaining trusting relationships with a diverse range of people from diverse backgrounds, in particular the ability to connect with young people
- Strong connections to, and knowledge of, the local community as well as the capacity and resources within it
- Links within the communities we serve, including Māori, Pasifika, Rainbow (LGTBI+) people, those new to New Zealand and / or Deaf culture
- Excellent communication skills and ability to adapt your method of communicating to the situation and person
- Self-management, ability to work independently with a high workload in complex circumstances
- Experience and knowledge in engaging with Māori and Pasifika families

To undertake this role successfully the incumbent will be a disabled person, or have credibility and trust with the disability community, or have empathy and a commitment to understanding the unique and diverse experiences of disabled people.
These roles requires a satisfactory VCA Core Worker Police Check to be obtained and maintained.

Position Description

**Salary ranges**:
Connector Support - $54,707 - $66,864
Connector - $71,943 - $87,931
Specialist Connector - $83,011 - $101,458

How to apply

**Note**: Your cover letter will