Senior Advisor - Transition Support Services (Disability)

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency dedicated to children’s welfare in Wellington is seeking a Senior Advisor for the Disability Programme. This role focuses on supporting the needs of disabled young people transitioning to adulthood, particularly those exiting Youth Justice settings. Candidates should have expertise in disability or social services and strong relationship management skills. The role offers flexible working options and a commitment to wellbeing.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Supportive team environment

Commitment to wellbeing

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in the disability, social service, health or justice sectors.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Strong skills in research, analysis, and translating insights into actionable strategies.

Responsibilities

• Support improved experiences for disabled young people transitioning to adulthood.
• Provide expert advice and case level escalation.
• Build connections across the organisation for appropriate support.

Skills

Expertise in disability sector

Strong relationship management

Research and analysis skills

Understanding of cross-cultural practices

Education

Tertiary qualification in relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

Pivotal role supporting the implementation of a Disability Programme of work with a focus on improved experiences for rangatahi transitioning from care or custody to adulthood.

Flexible location / remote working opportunity.

Fixed Term until 30 June 2026.

About the role

Oranga Tamariki developed a Disability Strategy in 2022-23 through extensive engagement with the disability community, including tāngata Whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people and care experienced young people, as well as iwi and whānau. Te Riu (our Leadership team) have recently approved the establishment of the first phase of a Programme aligned to that Strategy to better meet the disability needs and rights of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers within the remit of Oranga Tamariki and across its functions.

The focus of the Disability Programme is to support the disability needs of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers through: improving our practices and services, improving the methodology, collection, quality and use of disability data and research; building the disability competency and capability of all kaimahi; and improving the organisation's ability to better advocate in the children's and disability systems.

Senior Advisor - Transition Support Service (Disability)

This Senior Advisor role will work - both within the Transition Support Services team and collaboratively as part of the Disability Programme - to support improved experiences for disabled young people transitioning to adulthood.

The Senior Advisor will provide expert advice, case level escalation and advocacy and work to build connections across the organisation and with external stakeholders to ensure rangatahi with disabilities receive the right support at the right time. This role will have a particular focus on disabled rangatahi exiting Youth Justice settings and improving practice in planning for their pathway to adult services.

What you will bring

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Proven expertise in the disability, social service, health or justice sectors.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to build and maintain rapport with others, including when working with virtual teams.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences and influence and engage diverse stakeholders (internal and cross-agency).
• Strong skills in research, analysis, and translating insights into actionable strategies.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture.

In addition to the above key requirements, the following attributes will be desirable:

• Knowledge of different perspectives of disability including but not limited to medical, social, cultural/indigenous methodologies.
• Knowledge, understanding and ability to work with and respond to the diverse needs, experiences and views of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers that Oranga Tamariki interact with.
• Demonstrates a clear and genuine connection to the disability community through personal lived experience, community involvement, cultural background, or professional/voluntary work aligned to the Disability Programme's focus.

Benefits

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit.

About us

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

How to Apply

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

Internal secondment opportunities may be considered. If you are interested in a secondment to this role, please discuss with your direct manager or People and Performance Partner first.

Oranga Tamariki is committed to making the recruitment process accessible and equitable. Support may include:

• NZSL interpreters.
• Assistance for mobility and transport needs.
• Accessible meeting spaces and online options.
• Adjustments to the application or interview process on request.

If you have any questions about role, please contact.

Hurry as applications for this role close at 5pm on 12 October 2025.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.