Senior Lawyer - Disability Support Services

Senior Lawyer - Disability Support Services Ministry of Social Development NZ - Christchurch, South Island Permanent full-time opportunity available Preferred location for this role is Wellington, however applications from Auckland and Christchurch will be considered The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group within MSD works to ensure fair access to disability support services in New Zealand, prioritising those with the greatest needs. Through the DSS Review Programme, the Group is focused on implementing key recommendations to deliver consistent, equitable services, prioritise high-needs individuals, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of DSS, all while upholding Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles. About the role - Mō te tūnga As the Senior Lawyer you will provide legal expertise, skills, and knowledge in the delivery of quality legal services (QLS) to MSD. You will provide legal advice to senior managers on a range of operational, public law and corporate issues facing Disability Support Services to identify legal risk and ensure we meet our legal obligations in a way that betters outcomes for disabled people. There is an opportunity for you to diversify and develop your skill set in different areas such as public, litigation, procurement and contract law. We 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. Experience as a generalist Barrister and Solicitor with a practising certificate, or be eligible for one A strong understanding of public sector legal issues relevant to the Ministry's business Previous experience providing quality legal services to clients, including proactively anticipating client needs and communicating effectively (both oral and written) Previous experience coaching and upskilling others Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and work collaboratively towards fair resolutions Salary - Utu-ā-tau: $122,381 - $152,296 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. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations. Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are. 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. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr