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]
Restorative Justice Facilitator/Court Coordinator – Timaru
Are you passionate about supporting people, strengthening relationships, and helping communities heal, grow, and move forward?
We are looking for a compassionate and organised Restorative Justice Facilitator/Court Coordinator based in Timaru to join our supportive team, working across the Timaru, Ashburton, and Oamaru Courts. This is an opportunity to be part of meaningful work that brings people together, creates space for understanding, and supports positive outcomes for individuals, whānau, and communities.
In this role, you will coordinate referrals from the Courts and Police, connect with participants and their support people, facilitate restorative justice conversations, and prepare reports for the Court. You will work alongside the judiciary, legal professionals, community organisations, and whānau to ensure restorative justice processes are safe, respectful, culturally responsive, and centred on the needs and wellbeing of those involved.
We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with people, values their stories and experiences, and can build trust with individuals from all walks of life. Strong communication, relationship-building, organisational, and administrative skills are essential, along with the ability to navigate sensitive situations with empathy, integrity, and sound judgement.
As this role involves managing referrals and maintaining accurate records, you will also need to be confident using databases and case management systems, with excellent attention to detail. The ability to write clear, professional, and objective reports for the Court is a key part of the role.
Experience in facilitation, mediation, social services, justice, education, health, or community work would be an advantage. Most importantly, we are seeking someone who shares our commitment to restorative practice and believes in the potential for positive change, accountability, healing, and strong communities.
Successful applicants will undertake the Ministry of Justice Restorative Justice Facilitator training and accreditation pathway through Simply Resolution. This pathway includes self-directed learning, intensive facilitator training, mentoring, supervised practice, regular professional supervision, and ongoing professional development. Facilitators are expected to work towards Ministry of Justice-recognised Restorative Justice Facilitator Accreditation and complete the Family Violence Endorsement pathway, which is required for facilitating family violence referrals. The training pathway requires a commitment to ongoing learning, reflective practice, supervision, and the development of skills and competencies necessary to work safely and effectively within the restorative justice sector.
Please note that this is a referral-based position and hours will vary depending on referral volumes.
We offer a flexible and supportive working environment, comprehensive training, ongoing professional development, regular supervision, and the opportunity to be part of a team that is making a real difference every day.
Based in Timaru | Flexible hours | Full training and professional support provided
Applications close 6 July 2026
Click here for the Trainee Restorative Justice Facilitator job description [PDF]
Click here for the Court Coordinator job description [PDF]
Want to learn more about how Safer Mid Canterbury approaches the restorative justice process? Watch the video we made about our service on our Restorative Justice service page here.
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]