Appeals Officer
Date: 20 Mar 2025
Location: Canterbury, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
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, 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.
Mō te tīma / About our team:
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) legal team plays a crucial role in handling appeals, particularly those related to benefit entitlements and other matters involving MSD decisions.
Mō te tūnga / About the role:
As an Appeals Officer, you will be responsible for reviewing, assessing, and responding to appeals made to the Social Security Appeal Authority and the Student Allowance Appeal Authority.
Your role will involve preparing legal documentation, working to resolve disputes before they reach a formal hearing and advocating on behalf of the Ministry.
This is an opportunity to apply your knowledge of MSD systems, problem-solving abilities, and advocacy skills in a meaningful way while contributing to the integrity and fairness of the welfare system.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review written appeals from clients and their advocates to identify key issues.
- Prepare and file well-researched legal reports for submission to the Social Security Appeal Authority and the Student Allowance Appeal Authority.
- Engage with clients, advocates, and MSD decision-makers to explore potential resolutions.
- Identify and escalate legal, reputational, and training risks as necessary.
- Drive the progress of appeal cases, ensuring timely resolution or preparation for tribunal hearings.
- Appear in SSAA Hearings presenting the Ministry’s position.
This role is based in Christchurch.
Ōu pūmanawatanga | What you bring:
- In-depth knowledge of MSD’s processes, services, policies, and procedures.
- Significant experience in front-line service delivery at MSD, dispute resolution, or legal advocacy.
- Strong writing skills, with experience in drafting reports and legal arguments.
- Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines and work on multiple cases.
- Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and work collaboratively towards fair resolutions.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
Position Description
A copy of the position description can be found here. Appeals Officer position description.
Salary range: $78,222.00 - $94,689.00
How to apply
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.
Closing date: Friday April 4 2025.
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.
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.
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.
