Lead Connector | Hamilton | Permanentat Ministry of Social Development104,359 - 129,869

Lead and mentor a team creating meaningful changeChampion the Enabling Good Lives approach and mana

• enhancing practise.Permanent role based in Kirikiriroa | HamiltonJoin a committed team working in partnership to reshape Aotearoa's disability support system.

In this leadership role you will coach and mentor Connectors, work alongside tangata whaikaha, disabled people and whānau, and strengthen person-directed, community-connected outcomes that reflects people's aspirations.This role is centred on building strong relationships and supporting tino rangatiratanga for disabled people, whānau, and communities.About our team | Mō te tīma:The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.We're building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable.

With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we're committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.It's an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.We're looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.About the role | Mō te tūnga:As a Lead Connector, you'll provide leadership, mentoring and guidance to Connectors and Specialist Connectors, helping them grow their skills to support disabled people and whānau.You'll work alongside individuals and families to explore options, create possibilities, and support decision-making about their lives and the resources that enable them to thrive.This role is central to the Enabling Good Lives approach and contributes directly to the transformation of the disability support system.You'll work in homes, schools, communities and provider organisations to build relationships, encourage aspiration, and connect people with their local communities.Please note this role is based in Hamilton.

To learn more about the Enabling Good Lives approach, visit https://www.enablinggoodlives.co.nzKey responsibilities include:Provide coaching and guidance to Connectors and Specialist ConnectorsSupport disabled people and whānau to plan and direct their own livesBuild strong relationships across diverse communitiesPromote the Enabling Good Lives vision and principlesWork collaboratively across homes, schools, and community settingsContribute to system transformation and inclusive practiceWe value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:Deep understanding of the Enabling Good Lives vision and principlesExperience mentoring or leading teams and managing workflowSkilled in creative thinking and supporting aspirational planningStrong community connections and knowledge of local resourcesAbility to build trust with diverse individuals and whānauLived experience or strong links with Māori, Pasifika, Rainbow, Deaf or migrant communitiesExcellent communication skills and adaptability across contextsPosition Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:A copy of the position description can be found here.

Lead Connector position description.Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $104,359.00

• $129,869.00Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 15 February 2026.About us | Mō mātou: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.Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve.

• Responsible AI use in recruitment.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.

• please apply through your myHR portal at work.

This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.Joining us | Ko te hono mai: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.

You can find out more about our values here.If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.