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**:

- A Fixed-Term or Secondment opportunity through to 30 June 2026
- Auckland (Ellerslie) based

**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.

**We are looking for an individual who**:

- Can assess claims under the Historic Claims framework.
- Are able to work with Senior Claimant Support Specialists to make sure all the necessary info is available to support the claimant.
- Can help prepare for or take part in claimant feedback sessions to offer some closure.
- Are good at turning large amounts of info into clear, well-written assessments.
- Keep track of all relevant information throughout the assessment process to help deliver the Historic Claims service.
- Are open-minded, eager to learn, and adaptable.
- Have great people skills and emotional intelligence.
- Are self-aware and willing to reflect and grow from experiences.
- Have strong communication skills, both spoken and written.
- Think logically and solve problems effectively.
- Have a solid work ethic.
- Are committed to the Treaty of Waitangi and making sure the service is culturally responsive and incorporates tikanga Maori.

**An added benefit would be**:

- Experience working in an analytical or decision-support function, particularly reviewing, and interpreting large amounts of complex information to produce reports, assessments, and other written work of for a particularly high standard both internal and external audiences.

**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 and should explain why you believe you meet the requirements of the role and what support you would need to be successful in the role.

**Closing date: Friday, 23rd May 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._