Client Support Debt Management Officer | Āpiha Amo Nama, Christchurch

• Permanent, full-time roles (Monday – Friday)
• Based in Christchurch
• Be part of a positive and progressive work environment
• Growth and progression opportunities in a supportive, inclusive team
• Start date: Week beginning 19 January 2026

About the role | Mō te tūnga

Client Support Debt Management is a business unit that sits under the Integrity and Debt group of the Ministry of Social Development. We are seeking proactive and passionate individuals to join our Client Support Debt Management team. As a Client Support Debt Management Officer, you will play an integral role in helping our non-current clients with repaying their debt to Ministry of Social Development. Our purpose is to administer recovery of debt at the earliest possible opportunity by negotiating sustainable and affordable repayment arrangements with clients and proactively supporting them to become debt free. We look to identify and use innovative approaches and best practices to ensure effective debt management of money owed to the Ministry of Social Development. Our versatility means that we are often called upon to support other business units of the Ministry of Social Development while maintaining our high standards of client service and professionalism. Your work will be varied, and you will be dealing with adverse and difficult conversations, so we need someone who can communicate professionally and achieve positive results for both the Ministry and our clients. At times parts of the role can be repetitive and monotonous, while other parts are exciting, fulfilling and rewarding.  

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

A copy of the position description can be found here. Client Support Debt Management Officer position description

About the team | Mō te tīma

Our teams are flexible, adaptable and pragmatic; they adapt and learn quickly when change happens. They are a supportive team and willingly share knowledge and contribute to a positive workplace culture based on co-operation and commitment to achieve goals. We welcome and value diversity which contributes to an inclusive working environment where differences are acknowledged and respected. Our people provide a service that ensures clients have a positive experience with us every time.

What you’ll need to succeed | Ko tō āhua

The key attributes we are looking for: 

• Skilled in developing sustainable and affordable repayment plans that prevent hardship and support long-term financial stability.

• Demonstrates empathy and actively engages with clients to understand their financial circumstances.

• Proactively connects clients with internal and external specialist services to promote independence and holistic support.

• Ability to interact positively with clients and stakeholders via inbound and outbound calls.
• Ability to follow structured guidelines and processes to ensure compliance and consistency.

• You’re a fast learner who enjoys processing and handling a lot of information.
• Adaptability to change in a dynamic environment.
• You work efficiently, accurately and can make good decisions.
• Culturally aware with a strong focus on empathetic communication and has the skills to be able to build trust and rapport with clients.
• Strong IT skills and confidence navigating multiple systems quickly.
• Attention to detail with a solution focussed approach.
• Enjoy working in a diverse and inclusive team environment.

What we offer | Tā mātou e tuku ana

• Monday to Friday. If a business need arises Saturdays are reserved for overtime and are on voluntary basis.
• Paid for 40 hours per week but work 37.55 hours per week.
• Annual pay progression with the ability to earn up to $73,903.
• $400 Annual vision care subsidy service towards your costs of eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses.
• Accident insurance coverage for Ministry of Social Development staff.
• Capability development framework to support your career aspirations with us.
• Staff discount on Southern Cross Health Insurance.
• Lots of practical support through, Employee Assistance Programme.
• Vibrant, diverse, and inclusive team environment.
• Office-based role where you are trained and supported during your learning process so it can take several months before we can start considering flexible working arrangements.

Salary range | Utu-ā-tau: $61,466.00 - $73,903.00

Important recruitment information and dates | Ngā mōhiohio rapu kaimahi hira,me ngā rā hira

Please apply online with your CV and a cover letter (1–2 pages) outlining how your skills and attributes align with the job description and key attributes listed above.

• To be considered for this position you must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of making your application.
• 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 Ministry of Social Development Employees – please apply through your MyHR portal at work. This will ensure that your MyHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Due to anticipated high volume of applications, we will be shortlisting continuously as we receive them. Please ensure that your email address and phone number is correct as we may contact you for an interview.

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 16 November

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a video assessment, responding to interview questions.
• Candidates who progress from the video assessment will be scheduled for final interviews.
• From the interview stage, preferred candidates will go through background checks (which includes reference checks and criminal record checks).
• Start date is 19 January 2026.

Joining us | Ko te hono mai

Joining Ministry of Social Development 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. You can find out more about our values here.

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.