Senior Claims Specialist
Date: 9 Feb 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
We are looking for people to make a real difference in these claimant-centric roles, to support claimants who have been unjustly treated in State care. We are seeking experienced individuals who share a common commitment to achieving positive outcomes for claimants.
You will be culturally responsive, able to understand and simplify complex issues and have demonstrated experience in delivering results for people.
About the role – Senior Claims Specialist
The Senior Claims Specialist works with claimants towards achieving redress and healing.
This role provides end to end management of a claim from initial point of contact, listening to the experience and allegations of the claimant, answering questions about time in care, carrying out rapid payments assessment or individualised assessment as appropriate, preparing all necessary documentation, explaining the outcome of the claim process, through to closure of the claim.
The Senior Claims Specialist is a senior position that has knowledge of and is able to perform all aspects of managing the claim, assessing the claim and communicating effectively with claimants throughout the life of the claim. NB This role does not include responding to personal information requests (ordering, reading and redacting claimant files).
Focus of the role
The focus of this position is to:
- support claimants through the claims process.
- understand a claimant’s time in care, including allegations they may have.
- carry out an assessment of their claim, which could be under the rapid payment or individualised assessment frameworks.
- prepare all necessary documentation and present the outcome to the claimant.
Skills and experience
To be successful in this role you will:
- be able to work claims end to end (from an engagement, interview, assessment and feedback perspective).
- be able to effectively engage with claimants and provide them with information so they can make informed decisions.
- be able to assess claims under the Historic Claims assessment framework.
- be open-minded and have a willingness to learn and evolve (need to be agile).
- have excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- have high self-awareness and ability to reflect and learn from experiences.
- have effective verbal and written communication skills.
- have logical reasoning skills.
- have a strong work ethic.
- ability and willingness to engage in all aspects of our work.
- commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and the development of a service that is culturally responsive and incorporates Tikanga Māori.
Position Description
A copy of the position description can be found here: Senior Claims Specialist position description
Application close: Sunday, 15th February 2026
Salary: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00
About MSD
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.
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.
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 Allison Wright at Allison.Wright011@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 an internal candidate.
We will be reviewing applications as they are submitted and may elect to commence interviews prior to the above closing date.
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.
