Careers
Safer Mid Canterbury provides a range of child, youth, adult and family community services across the Ashburton District. We are a non-profit organisation that has been operating as a charitable trust for more than 25 years, providing free and confidential services that focus on a healthier, stronger and safer community for all.
All positions will require staff who:
are sensitive to, and accommodating of cultural and individual differences
are able to maintain a high level of confidentiality
have a commitment to, and understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi)
have a passion for, and commitment to providing non-judgemental services and supports to vulnerable people.
In return, we offer a family-friendly, professional work environment with the ability to make a real and significant difference in the lives of people in our district.
To apply for a position, please download an application form and return it to us with your CV and cover letter. Please follow all instructions on the application form.
All roles listed have a job description which you can also download. Please call us on 03 308 1395 if you require further information.
Click here for the application form [PDF]
Kaiāwhina Attendance – Hāpai Whānau
40 hours per week | Ashburton
Hakatere Haumaru | Safer Mid Canterbury is looking for a warm, practical, and relationship-focused person to join our Attendance Team. You would be one of four people delivering the district’s Attendance Service.
Our Attendance Service works alongside taiohi, whānau, and kura to understand the barriers that can prevent young people from regularly attending and engaging in education, and to develop practical and sustainable solutions.
Staff receive referrals to support the engagement of taiohi with education. However, an additional key specialty of this position is Hāpai Whānau – providing additional support to whānau where attendance challenges are more complex. This means working alongside whānau to build confidence, strengthen routines, navigate challenges, and develop practical strategies that support their taiohi to engage in education.
This is very much a people-focused role. We are looking for someone who can build genuine relationships, work through challenges alongside whānau, and balance warmth and empathy with clear and consistent boundaries.
We're looking for someone who:
builds genuine relationships with people from all walks of life
can have difficult conversations with warmth, honesty, and respect
can build trusting relationships while maintaining firm, clear, and consistent boundaries
is practical, organised, and a good problem solver
works alongside whānau without judgement or taking over
is committed to culturally responsive, mana-enhancing practice
can develop positive working relationships with kura, agencies, and other community services
understands the importance of confidentiality and professional practice
has a passion for supporting taiohi and whānau and believes strongly in the value of young people being engaged in education
enjoys being part of a supportive and collaborative team.
This is a 40-hour-per-week position, based in Ashburton and working throughout Mid Canterbury.
We offer a fun, whānau-friendly, and flexible work environment, and the opportunity to be part of a team making a real and significant difference for taiohi and whānau in our community.
Applications close Thursday the 1st of October.
Click here for the full job description.
Neighbourhood Support Coordinator
15 hours per week | Ashburton
Want a part-time role where you can meet people, build connections, and make a visible difference in your community?
Ashburton District Neighbourhood Support is looking for a friendly, organised, and community-minded person to help strengthen Neighbourhood Support across the district.
The heart of the role is simple: help neighbours know one another, stay connected, and support each other. You will support Street Coordinators and local groups, welcome new members, keep people informed, and encourage practical ways for neighbourhoods to connect.
We're looking for someone who:
enjoys meeting people and building genuine relationships
communicates confidently with people from all walks of life
is organised and comfortable with email, simple databases, and social media
can work independently, use initiative, and keep practical things moving
believes in the value of strong, connected, and supportive neighbourhoods.
What the role offers:
15 flexible hours a week
Family-friendly work environment
Supportive base at Safer Mid Canterbury
Five weeks annual leave
Vehicle provided for work travel
A chance to shape and grow a valued community network.
Applications close Monday the 26th of October.
Click here for the full job description.
Refugee Volunteer Show of Interest Form
If you are interested in volunteering in some way for the Refugee Settlement Support team, please download the Show of Interest form and return it to Safer Mid Canterbury reception at 255 Moore Street, or email it to Wendy at wendy.hewitt@safer.org.nz.
Download Refugee Volunteer Show of Interest form [PDF]
Download Refugee Show of Interest form [Word]