At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on disability impacts and support staff in employment pathways.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Social Development, a people-centred organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Meaningful work, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with access to a national network of specialists.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clients' lives and promote equitable outcomes for communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in health or disability services and strong relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 81500 - 125958 £ per year.
As a Regional Disability Advisor, you will provide specialist advice and guidance to frontline staff on the impact of health conditions, injuries, and disabilities on a person's participation in employment and community life. Working across the Waikato region, you will support staff to make informed decisions about employment pathways, work readiness, and appropriate interventions that help clients achieve positive outcomes.
The role combines specialist disability and vocational expertise with relationship management, influencing, and advisory responsibilities. You will work closely with frontline teams, health practitioners, disability providers, and community organisations to identify practical solutions that support clients to participate in employment and move towards greater independence where appropriate. You will be part of a national network of Regional Health and Disability Advisors, supported by Principal Advisors based in National Office.
What you'll be doing:
- Provide specialist advice on the impact of health conditions, injuries, and disabilities on employment participation
- Support frontline staff to identify appropriate interventions, supports, and employment pathways
- Assess medical and vocational information to inform recommendations and decision making
- Build effective relationships with health practitioners, disability support providers, and community organisations
- Contribute to the development of capability within frontline teams through coaching and advice
- Promote consistent, evidence-based approaches across the region
- Support MSD's commitment to equitable outcomes for clients, whānau, and communities
What you bring:
- Significant experience within health, disability, rehabilitation, vocational services, occupational health, or a related field
- Strong understanding of disability supports, rehabilitation services, and employment participation frameworks
- Experience providing specialist advice and influencing decision-making
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to analyse information from multiple sources and provide clear, practical recommendations
- Excellent written communication and report-writing skills
- Sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex situations
- Understanding of, and commitment to, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable outcomes for Māori
A relevant tertiary qualification in health, rehabilitation, disability, occupational therapy, vocational services, or a related discipline would be highly desirable.
What we offer:
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of clients and whānau
- Professional development and ongoing support
- Access to a national network of specialist advisors
- Exposure to complex and rewarding work across the Waikato region
- A collaborative and supportive team environment
Applications close: Monday 31 August 2026
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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 advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
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.
Regional Disability Advisor | Waikato Region in Cambridge employer: New Zealand Ministry of Social Development
At MSD, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Programme Coordinator based in the vibrant CBD and Canterbury Service Centres, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of job seekers while enjoying competitive salary packages and professional growth opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and employee wellbeing ensures that every team member is valued and empowered to thrive in their role.
Contact Details:
New Zealand Ministry of Social Development Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Disability Advisor | Waikato Region in Cambridge
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at New Zealand Ministry of Social Development.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from New Zealand Ministry of Social Development!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like New Zealand Ministry of Social Development, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at New Zealand Ministry of Social Development or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Disability Advisor | Waikato Region in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to New Zealand Ministry of Social Development:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to New Zealand Ministry of Social Development! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Zealand Ministry of Social Development
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
