Support Specialist - Wellington

Type: Fixed term – 30 June 2026 
Hours: Full time
Location: Wellington
Business Group: Survivor Experiences Services 
Branch: Partnerships and Commissions
Salary: $71,767 - $89,310
 

• Are you experienced at providing first contact support for people seeking support?

• Have you successfully delivered a high-quality, consistent, client-focused, trauma informed service dealing with complex issues?

• Do you have a background in assessing wellbeing support needs and ensuring they are met by external service providers 

• Are you interested in making a difference for Survivors of trauma?

Then this role may be for you.

Better New Zealand 

Working at Department of Internal Affairs, Te Tari Taiwhenua, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of New Zealanders. 

Survivor Experiences Service

Te Tari Taiwhenua provides continued support to Survivors of abuse in care through the Survivor Experiences Service. 

The Survivor Experiences Service provides a safe, supportive, confidential place for Survivors to share their experiences of abuse in care, to support healing. The Service supports Survivors to locate and obtain their personal records related to their time in care. 

Senior Support Specialist role

As the Support Specialist you will provide on ongoing support appropriately using recognised Trauma Informed methods. 

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Skills to manage inbound and outbound contacts via phoneline (including cell), email & Postal Mail

• The ability to assess Survivor wellbeing support needs and ensure they are met by external service providers 

• Experience using a Case Management System to record and maintain complete, accurate and up to date information to support effective decision making and detailed analysis.

• Resilience and empathy with emotional strength, sound judgement and tact in dealing with complex and sensitive issues.

• Confidence in using initiative to find way to make things work, comfortable with working in the grey. 

• You'll be joining a team passionate about supporting Survivors of trauma from abuse in care, a team looking for ‘How can we’, rather than the ‘No’ answers. 

• At Te Tari Taiwhenua, we value facetime to build strong relationships, as well as working from home and flexing hours to fit with your real life. In joining us, you'll get interesting work that's unique within New Zealand, that brings awesome opportunities to grow your skills and develop your career. You'll see that the work you do here is meaningful and makes a real difference. 

• We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recognise a diverse workforce contributes to better business outcomes. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access. Even if you don't think you meet all the criteria, but you're excited about this opportunity, please do get in touch - we value the different skills and experience that diversity brings.

Applications close: Friday 8 August 5pm 2025
For more information please contact: shelley.coburn@survivorexperiences.govt.nz
Job description: To review the full job description, please click here.