Specialist Claims Assessor, Historic Claims

**About us**

The 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, whanau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, 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.

**About Historic Claims**

Historic Claims, on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) provides an Alternative Disputes Resolution Service (ADRS) to assist claimants who have raised allegations or concerns of abuse or neglect while in State care.

Historic Claims works with claimants to help them understand their past experience in care. We acknowledge and recognise the harm claimants have experienced and take steps to put this right.

A key focus for Historic Claims 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.

**Specialist Claims Assessor**
- Fixed-Term or Secondment opportunity through to 30 June 2026
- Auckland (Ellerslie) based roles available

**About the role**

The Specialist Claims Assessor uses available information relevant to the claimant to conduct an assessment of their claim against the Historic Claims assessment framework, and provide recommendations to support decision making. They are a key part of helping claimants understand their care experience and achieve redress and healing.

Specialist Claims Assessors work closely with their Team Leader and Claims Advisors when necessary to make decisions on the acceptance of allegations. They will also work as part of a virtual team to deliver the best outcomes for claimants. They identify opportunities for continual improvement and develop recommendations to the Team Leader Claims Management in developing and maintaining efficient and effective policies and processes.

**What we're looking for**

We're keen to hear from people who:

- are able to assess claims under the Historic Claims assessment framework
- are able to work with Senior Claimant Support Specialists to ensure all relevant information required to support the claimant through the process is readily available
- are able to prepare information for and/or contribute to, claimant feedback sessions to help offer an element of closure
- are able to synthesise large amounts of information into concise well-written assessments
- are able to ensure all relevant information is recorded through the assessment process to support delivery of the Historic Claims service
- are open minded and have a willingness to learn and evolve (need to be agile)
- have excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
- have high self-awareness and ability to reflect and learn from experiences
- have effective verbal and written communication skills
- have logical reasoning skills
- have a strong work ethic
- are committed to the Treaty of Waitangi and the development of a service that is culturally responsive and incorporates tikanga Maori

**Position Description**Salary range: $89,622.00 - $108,622.00**

**How to apply**

**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.

**Closing date: Sunday, 27 April 2025**

**Joining us**

Joining MSD means being part of a whanau 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 Maori, Hapu, 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._