Connector | Christchurch | Permanent
Date: 9 Feb 2026
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Support disabled people and whānau to create possibilities and make decisions about their lives.
- Build strong relationships and connect people to funded and unfunded supports that enable good lives.
- Permanent role based in Christchurch
Play a key role in the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach by working alongside disabled people and whānau to realise aspirations, make decisions, and live their good lives.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.
We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.
We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.
We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
As a Connector, you’ll work in homes, schools, and communities to proactively develop strong relationships with disabled people and whānau.
You’ll partner with them to identify options, create possibilities, and connect to supports that enable them to achieve outcomes that matter most.
Key responsibilities include:
- Establish respectful, trusting relationships with disabled people and whānau.
- Listen to aspirations and help identify creative options and opportunities.
- Connect people to funded and unfunded supports and community resources.
- Support people to understand funding processes and self-manage budgets.
- Maintain accurate records and manage a complex caseload using EGL systems.
- Build collaborative relationships with providers, agencies, and stakeholders.
We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.
Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
Enabling Good Lives Christchurch will hold an Information session for anyone wanting further information on this role. This will be held at the Loft. Level 1, Eastgate Mall, Buckley Road, Linwood, Christchurch 8062. 330-430pm on Thursday 19th February 2026. Please rsvp or find out more information by emailing EGLCInfo@msd.govt.nz
To learn more about the Enabling Good Lives approach, visit https://www.enablinggoodlives.co.nz
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
- Deep understanding of the Enabling Good Lives vision and principles.
- Experience supporting people to think creatively about life opportunities.
- Strong connections to, and knowledge of, local communities and resources.
- Ability to engage effectively with Māori and Pacific families and communities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with resilience and adaptability.
- Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
- Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity principles.
- Resilience, adaptability, and a strong client focus.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Connector position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $79,200.00 - $95,873.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 22 February 2026.
About us | Mō mātou:
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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.
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.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono:
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
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.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai:
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. 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.
We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.
