Lead Community Advisor

About the Company Wellington Multiple Sclerosis Society (WMS) has been dedicated to supporting individuals affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) since its establishment in 1967. As a non-profit organization, we aim to empower people in the Wellington region to lead independent, active, and fulfilling lives. We are proud to be one of 18 regional societies across New Zealand, focused on addressing the needs of those with MS and other related neurological conditions. About the Role We are seeking a Lead Community Advisor to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term basis, with the possibility of extension. This role involves working 30 to 40 hours per week, primarily from home, while reporting directly to the President and the WMS Committee. You will oversee the day-to-day operations of WMS, leading a small, collaborative team to ensure that individuals with MS, their families, and caregivers in the Wellington region receive essential support, information, resources, and advocacy. During your tenure, you will also play a vital role in reviewing WMS’s existing systems, processes, and policies to ensure they remain relevant and effective in delivering high-quality services. What You Will Do - Facilitate the smooth operational running of WMS. - Lead and support WMS staff, providing guidance, coaching, and feedback for their performance and development. - Manage client caseloads while overseeing the work of other Community Advisors. - Conduct home and workplace visits to clients, provide assessments, and make appropriate referrals and recommendations. - Attend meetings with clients to advocate on their behalf, including interactions with employers, GPs, and Work and Income. - Connect clients with relevant community services and resources. - Build strong relationships with our national body (MSNZ), cluster groups, health professionals, and referral agencies. - Attend monthly WMS Committee meetings, providing updates on relevant matters concerning the Society. - Review existing systems, processes, and policies to ensure they are effective and support service delivery. What We Are Looking For - Proven experience in a Community Advisor, Health Navigator, Support Worker, Caregiver, Allied Health, or similar role. - A relevant qualification in health services or a related field. - Understanding of the New Zealand healthcare system and support services for independent living. - Demonstrated people leadership skills, including the ability to coach and develop others. - Experience in leading or managing service operations and budgets. - A commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery. - Compassionate, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of others. - Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and handle sensitive information. - Proactive, self-motivated, reliable, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team. - Proficient in using Microsoft 365 tools (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint) and CRM databases. - Awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with MS, mental health issues, or disabilities is advantageous. - Understanding of the not-for-profit sector and experience working with volunteer boards or committees is a plus. - A valid and clean New Zealand driver’s license. - Willingness to travel locally and around New Zealand quarterly and annually. Benefits Joining WMS offers you a diverse and stimulating range of responsibilities in a supportive and friendly environment. You will be part of a close-knit team that values collaboration and competence. Enjoy the flexibility of managing your own schedule and the comfort of working from home. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a 3% employer contribution to KiwiSaver, a phone, laptop, company car, paid supervision, and a monthly allowance to cover office expenses for the right candidate. How to Apply If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your CV and a cover letter to Ngan Nguyen by Sunday, May 25, 2025. Once the application period has closed, we will begin the shortlisting process, which may take up to two weeks. We will reach out to you regarding your application during this time. For further details, you can view the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/WMS-PD-Lead-Community-Advisor-8.5.2025.pdf