Senior Advisor

Role overview

This fixed-term Senior Advisor position runs until 30 June 2027 and is part of the Ministry of Justice in Wellington. The role contributes to work reviewing and strengthening the Ministry’s supervised contact service for the Family Court, within Provider and Community Services (PCS). PCS partners with community organisations that deliver services such as Victim Support, Restorative Justice, Family Dispute Resolution, and family violence support.

This opportunity is well suited to someone with practice experience, such as social work, who wants to help improve outcomes for tamariki and families involved in the Family Court.

What the role involves

• Collaborating with providers, court personnel, Policy, and Legal teams to understand how the service operates in practice.
• Assessing providers against legal obligations and practice standards.
• Offering advice to ensure services align with recognised good practice, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and relevant New Zealand law.
• Contributing to the review of the Supervised Contact Quality Practice Framework.
• Assisting with preparation for a future procurement process.
• Supporting other practice-related or contract management tasks across additional services when required.

Experience and capabilities sought

• Background working with children, with the ability to describe what safe and effective practice looks like.
• Comfort providing practical guidance informed by evidence and current guidance.
• Ability to work alongside contract managers, providers, and court staff to evaluate services.
• Sound understanding of relevant legislation and how it applies in day-to-day practice.
• Capability to give clear, useful advice to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience or familiarity with contract management.

Additional requirements

• A relevant qualification such as clinical psychology, social work, youth work, or human services.
• Current registration with the appropriate professional body.
• At least two years of experience working with children or in a similar service setting.
• A full, clean driver licence and the ability to satisfy Children’s Act safety check requirements.

Relevant legislation and knowledge

• Care of Children Act 2004
• Family Dispute Resolution Act 2013
• Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
• Children’s Act 2014
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

About the organisation

Te Tāhū o te Ture, the Ministry of Justice, is focused on building trust in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. The organisation values inclusion and welcomes people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and religions.

The role is based at the Ministry’s national office in Wellington, within a collaborative and diverse team. It offers the chance to help shape the delivery of justice services and contribute to meaningful public service outcomes.

Benefits

• Flexible work hours where possible.
• Access to an online professional development portal.
• Access to inclusive and proactive staff networks.
• Opportunities to build a broad range of skills and experience across the organisation.

Salary and application details

The salary for this position is expected to fall between NZD 99,208 and NZD 125,492, depending on skills and experience.

Applications are due by 27 June. The hiring team may review applications as they arrive and begin interviews before the closing date. Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter with the online application. For queries, contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz.