Senior Engagement Advisor - Trauma-Informed Claims

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 101,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a Senior Engagement Advisor to conduct trauma‑informed reviews of sensitive claims. You will interview claimants, assess background information, and prepare high‑quality outputs to support decision‑making.

The role requires empathy, strong communication, and experience with diverse communities across Aotearoa. The position is permanent and full‑time, based in Wellington or Auckland, with a salary range of $101,296–$122,490 plus KiwiSaver.

Qualifications

• Strong experience building trusted relationships in complex contexts.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism.
• Experience in trauma-informed practice and/or working with diverse groups.
• Experience engaging with Māori or Pasifika communities, iwi, hapū or whānau groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and technical writing skills with complex or legal information.
• Background in social work or counselling is advantageous.
• Understanding of the public sector and Machinery of Government is welcome.

Responsibilities

• Managing sensitive and sometimes challenging discussions with empathy, discretion, and professionalism.
• Applying trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and mana-enhancing engagement practices.
• Ensuring all written reports are accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with policies and guidelines.
• Offering well‑reasoned advice to support senior decision‑making.
• Maintaining accurate workflows, documentation, and case records across systems.
• Sharing knowledge with colleagues and contributing to continuous improvement within the group.

Skills

Relationship building

Empathy

Communication skills

Written communication

Analytical writing

Māori/Pasifika engagement

Education

Background in social work or counselling

Job description

Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a Senior Engagement Advisor to conduct trauma‑informed reviews of sensitive claims. You will interview claimants, assess background information, and prepare high‑quality outputs to support decision‑making.

The role requires empathy, strong communication, and experience with diverse communities across Aotearoa. The position is permanent and full‑time, based in Wellington or Auckland, with a salary range of $101,296–$122,490 plus KiwiSaver.