Work and Income Advocate

We are a growing community health organisation and charity. We focus on improving the lives of people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis /Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid and their whānau, by providing information, validation, clinical support, connection, practical support, and advocacy. We also provide educational opportunities and guidance about ME/CFS for health professionals.
. ME/CFS is a serious long-term illness. People living with ME/CFS experience a fluctuating severity of symptoms and are severely impacted in the activities of daily living. While research has shown this is a biomedical illness, treatments and appropriate support from the health and social sectors and whānau continue to lag. . Can you help us to make a difference for the estimated 2,930 people (including 400 young people) living with ME/CFS in Canterbury and West Coast? And the many more living with Long COVID? . .

Are you keen to…?

• Guide clients to explore their eligibility for the various financial benefits and allowances from MSD through Work and Income and StudyLink
• Assist clients in filling out applications and paperwork for Work and Income or Studylink
• Provide guidance to GPs to ensure any required medical certificates reflect the severity and impacts of client illness on their ability to work or study
• Provide support to clients to work through issues with Work and Income and to advocate on their behalf
• Explore other financial support services available within the health and social sector
• Work independently within a small supportive close-knit team
• Connect with clients using email, phone, virtual calls, and on occasion, visiting them at home or supporting them at appointments with Work and Income (you will need a warranted and registered car). .

Are you…?

• Empathetic, compassionate, respectful and client-centred
• Familiar with the impacts of chronic illness and disability, or willing to learn
• Willing to understand Work and Income and StudyLink policies and systems
• Someone who has good communication skills and able to write informative client interaction notes
• Confident using a variety of IT platforms, including client management system , email, zoom, etc
• Able to prioritise and manage time efficiently and independently
• Honest, and show personal integrity. .

In return, this Work and Income role offers…

• Part time hours – up to 5 hours per week
• Flexibility around days and hours of work - with the exception of a fixed bi-monthly meeting
• Ability to work from home, our office and elsewhere
• A position that you can bring your passion to make a difference
• A supportive and kind workplace, with induction process in place and ongoing support available.

. . If this opportunity appeals and you have relevant experience and qualifications for the health and disability sector, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please provide a CV and a covering letter by 8am Wednesday 6th May 2026.

For further information

• Visit https://www.mecfscanterbury.nz/how-we-help/work-and-income-advocacy
• View the position description https://drive.google.com/file/d/116_2RtGKQdxMlJcpKC9LbDUfdFaZsvFf/view?usp=drive_link
• Contact Rose Camp, rose.camp@mecfscanterbury.nz

Please note that to be eligible for this position you must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa, a vehicle and drivers license and be prepared to undergo police vetting.