StudyLink Officers | Kaihono Ratonga, Palmerston North

What you'll be doing | Ko te mahi

Our Centralised Services centre in Palmerston North have multiple opportunities for StudyLink Officers to join us over our busy summer season.  If you are looking for a job where you can make a difference and help New Zealanders, this could be the opportunity for you.

We are a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive workplace who always puts whānau at the centre of everything we do.  Our aim is to ensure that every client feels respected, listened to, and understood.

As a StudyLink Officer you have an important role to play. Every action you take impacts New Zealanders lives. Our team is responsible for delivering an end-to-end service that incorporates the assessment, processing and review of client information and applications.

You will support a range of people with various backgrounds, ages and situations providing them with assistance, support and advice in accessing our services. You will need to be able to show empathy and understanding to help clients navigate and resolve often complex situations and queries.  

What you'll need to succeed | Ko tō āhua

To succeed in this role, you will need to:

• Communicate clearly and empathetically with students and their families, including in challenging or emotional situations.
• Build trust and rapport with people from diverse backgrounds, respecting their individual circumstances.
• Confidently use multiple business systems and digital tools while managing complex client cases.
• Adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment, staying calm under pressure and managing competing priorities.
• Accurately assess and interpret financial information to determine eligibility for student financial assistance.
• Apply relevant legislation, policy, and guidelines to make informed, fair, and consistent decisions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records to ensure consistency and effective decision-making.
• Stay up to date with StudyLink policies, MSD services, and Te Ao Māori to deliver culturally responsive support.

How to apply: What's next? | He aha e whai ake nei

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV and complete the relevant application form.

Note: Your responses to the application questions are essential to our assessment process.

Important recruitment information l Ngā mōhiohio rapu kaimahi hira, me ngā rā hira

📅 Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 29th June 2025

• Video Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a video assessment responding to three specific questions 
• Interviews: Face to face interviews will happen between 7th – 23rd July 2025
• Reference Checking and Police Vetting: Successful candidates will undergo reference checks and Police Vetting.

IMPORTANT: These additional roles are required to help our permanent workforce manage the surge in workloads over our busy Summer Season therefore it is important you are available for the full period of the fixed term contract and that you have no planned extended leave over this time.

📌 Candidates must hold NZ Citizenship or a Permanent Resident visa at the time of application.

If you would like more information, please contact Amanda Manson at Amanda.Manson005@msd.govt.nz 

📄 Position Description: StudyLink Officer position description

💰 Salary range: $60,707 – $72,990