Employment Support Representative
Date: 16 Feb 2026
Location: Auckland, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
Employment Support Representative
- Permanent, Full-time (37.55 hours per week)
- Job Connect Contact Centre Services – Ellerslie, Auckland
- Salary range: is $61,466 to $73,903 (dependant on your skills and experience)
If you like solving problems, thinking on your feet, and taking ownership of your work — this role is for you.
At Job Connect, we support New Zealanders into training, work readiness, and sustainable employment. As an Employment Support Representative, you’ll work with people who need more than a script — they need someone who can listen, think, and act.
About the team | Mō te tīma
Our Job Connect team is energetic, supportive, and outcome focused. We trust our people to use good judgement, bring ideas forward, and take ownership of their work.
We value Manaaki — caring for people, doing the right thing, and supporting each other — and we encourage initiative, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
About the role | Kōrero mō te tūranga
This role suits someone who enjoys variety, takes initiative, and is comfortable making decisions.
You’ll support job seekers into employment by having practical, solution-focused conversations. This role involves both inbound and outbound calls, working with clients who contact us through our 0800 line, as well as clients referred by Case Managers and Work Brokers.
You’ll also work closely with employers and training providers to match the right people to the right opportunities. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach — you’ll need to think critically, adapt your approach, and follow things through.
What you’ll be doing
Supporting job seekers
You will:
- Ask thoughtful questions to understand a client’s situation and employment goals.
- Identify opportunities that may not be obvious at first glance.
- Match clients to suitable roles using judgement, not just checklists.
- Support clients with CVs, interviews, and next steps.
- Actively follow up to move clients forward, not let things stall.
Working with employers
You will:
- Take clear, detailed vacancy briefs and challenge assumptions where needed.
- Identify and refer suitable candidates using a range of MSD channels.
- Build trusted, professional relationships with employers.
- Proactively communicate to support successful hiring outcomes.
Attention to detail & ownership
You will:
- Keep client and vacancy information accurate and up to date.
- Follow through on actions and commitments.
- Balance speed with accuracy in a busy environment.
- Spot gaps, risks, or opportunities and take action.
About you | He kōrero mōu
You’re likely someone who:
- Thinks for themselves and uses initiativs.
- Enjoys solving problems and improving how things are done.
- Is confident making outbound calls and following things up.
- Takes pride in accuracy and quality.
- Can adapt quickly in a changing environment.
- Builds rapport easily and communicates clearly.
Experience in customer service, recruitment, sales, HR, contact centres, or employment support is helpful, but not essential. We’re more interested in how you think than where you’ve worked.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position dewcription can be found here: Employment Service Representative position description
Hours of work
- 37 hours and 55 minutes per week, Monday to Friday.
- Rostered shifts between 7am and 6pm.
- Occasional Saturday work may be required.
- Rosters are provided well in advance, no surprises.
What we offer
- Competitive salary aligned to skills and experience.
- Comprehensive training, coaching, and ongoing support.
- A role with real impact and variety.
- A team that values initiative, judgement, and accountability.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $61,466.00 - $73,903.00
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
You do not need to submit a cover letter. Instead, you will be asked to respond to two short questions as part of the application form (each with a 2000 character limit):
- Tell us about a time you noticed a problem or opportunity that others hadn’t identified. What action did you take, and what was the outcome?
We’re interested in how you think and approach situations, not just your job title. - This role requires balancing speed with accuracy. Can you give an example of how you manage detail and quality in a busy or high-pressure environment?
We’re interested in hearing your own experiences, perspectives and examples. You’re welcome to use tools to help you prepare your application, but your responses should reflect your words, thinking and experience. Authentic, genuine answers help us better understand how you would approach the role.
Note: Your responses to the application questions are essential to our assessment process. Applicants who are shortlisted will be notified and may be required to complete further assessments/testing.
Applicants must hold New Zealand Citizenship, Permanent Residency or Australian Citizenship at time of application.
Due to the expected high volume of applications and recruitment timeframe, we’ll be shortlisting continuously as applications are received. To maximise your chances of being considered, we recommend applying early. Please ensure your CV is up to date and take the time to complete the application questions thoroughly.
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.
Applications close: 11.59pm on Sunday, 1st March 2026
Internal MSD applicants - Please apply through your myHR careers page at work.
For a further discussion about the role, please contact jobs@MSD.govt.nz
About MSD
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, 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.
Joining us
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. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations
