Central Processing Officer - StudyLink

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Date: 20 May 2026

Location: Palmerston North, NZ

Company: Ministry of Social Development

 

Central Processing Officer | Palmerston North

 

•    Multiple Palmerston North based roles
•    Full Time permanent - 37.55 hours per week
•    Monday to Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm
•    Start Date: 3 August 2026
•    Starting Salary: $61,466.00
 

About us | Mō mātou

 

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 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.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

 

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 Central Processing Officer, you have an important role to play.  Every action you take impacts New Zealanders lives.  You’ll help many people every day by delivering an end-to-end service including the assessment, processing, and review of client information. You’ll provide essential financial assistance support for clients and their whānau. In addition to your processing responsibilities, you’ll engage with clients through outbound phone calls.

 

What you'll need to succeed | Ko ngā mea ka hiahiatia e koe kia angitū

 

  • A fast learner who enjoys handling complex information.
  • Professional, full of energy, and great at interacting and negotiating with clients over the phone, always keeping their needs in mind.
  • Ability to lead conversations with empathy and sensitivity creating a positive experience for clients.
  • Success-driven, with a strong focus on achieving outcomes for clients.
  • Personal ownership of your work to help your team succeed.
  • Adaptable and open to change.
  • Confident handling sensitive client information and accurately entering it into the system.
  • Able to work efficiently, detail-oriented, and are a sound decision-maker.

 

What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou

 

  • A positive work environment and trusted culture where we support each other to achieve excellent outcomes for clients.
  • Capability development framework to support career aspirations.
  • Practical wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
  • A forward-thinking environment with support to help you thrive and make a real impact.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

 

A copy of the position description can be found here: Central Processing Officer position description

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

 

Timeline l Rārangi wā

 

  • Video Assessment: All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a video assessment responding to three specific questions.
  • Assessment Centre: Assessment Centres which will be held 9-10 June 2026.
  • Interviews: Face to face interviews will be held 15 – 26 June 2026.
  • Reference Checking and Police Vetting: Successful candidates will undergo reference checks and Police Vetting.

 

 

How to Apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
 

To apply, click the ‘apply now’ button and upload your CV.  You will also be required to respond to the following two questions as part of the application form:

 

  1. What kind of work gives you the most satisfaction, and how does the Central Processing Officer role align with that?
  2. What key skill or strength would you bring to the Central Processing Officer role, and how would it add value?
     

If you would like to find out more about the role please contact Amanda Manson on Amanda.manson005@msd.govt.nz

 

To be eligible for this position, you must be a New Zealand or Australian Citizen or a New Zealand Permanent Resident at the time of application.

 

Internal MSD Employees - please apply through your myHR portal at work.  This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate. 

 

Applications close: 11.59pm, Tuesday 2nd June 2026

 

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.