Ngā Umanga

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]
Click here for the application form [Word]

Kaiāwhina Attendance – Cultural Specialist

Due to an exciting expansion of our school attendance services under a new Ministry of Education contract, we are growing our team and seeking a Kaiāwhina Attendance Cultural Specialist.

The Kaiāwhina Attendance – Cultural Specialist role provides culturally responsive support to tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau to strengthen engagement in education. The role recognises the importance of whakapapa, mana, and connection, ensuring that all interactions uphold the principles of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. The Kaiāwhina works alongside other Kaiāwhina Attendance staff, schools, and community partners to address barriers to attendance and promote positive pathways for learning and wellbeing.

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week, based in Ashburton.

The Key Tasks of this position involve understanding and utilising key frameworks and strategies such as Ka Hikitia, Ka Hāpaitia and Tau Mai Te Reo along with understanding and utilising Pasifika frameworks and strategies such as the Action Plan for Pacific Education. This will require engagement with local iwi and Māori organisations, along with Pasifika networks and organisations.

Applicants must:

Have well-developed verbal communication skills with young people and their families
Have well-developed written communication, data collection and reporting skills
Be able to work within, and have clear boundaries
Be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Be sensitive to, and accommodating of, cultural and individual differences
Have the ability to develop effective relationships with schools and agencies
Have a passion for supporting young people and a belief in the high value of young people being engaged in education
Have the ability to step outside of the usual duties to assist colleagues, respond to service needs, or ensure continuity of care. Flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to "step up" and offer help where needed are essential aspects of being part of our team.

Applicants would need to be available 5 days per week during school terms, starting by 8:30 each morning, with greater flexibility during school holidays. Although most work would occur during school time, some flexibility may be required to meet with working parents.

Applications close Sunday 4th January 2026.

To read the job description, please click here [PDF].

Attendance Youth Advocate/CACTUS Coordinator

Due to the expansion of our school attendance services under a new Ministry of Education contract, we are growing our team and seeking an Attendance Youth Advocate.

The Attendance Youth Advocate role supports tamariki and rangatahi aged five to 15 years old by working directly with and walking alongside the young person, with the aim of supporting them back onto education pathways.

This position is 26 hours per week, based in Ashburton. It has two aspects: 20 hours within our Attendance Service, and 6 hours supporting the coordination of our popular CACTUS after-school adventure programme.

CACTUS delivers fun, challenging activities for young people, including three weekend camps each year and a five-day adventure camp in January.

Applicants should:

Have well-developed verbal communication skills with young people and their families
Have well-developed written communication, data collection and reporting skills
Be able to work within, and have clear boundaries
Be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Be sensitive to, and accommodating of, cultural and individual differences
Have the ability to develop effective relationships with schools and agencies
Have a passion for supporting young people and a belief in the high value of young people being engaged in education
Have a level of physical fitness enabling them to join in on all aspects of physical activity that CACTUS participants are required to complete
Be willing to step outside of the usual duties to assist colleagues, respond to service needs, or ensure continuity of care. Flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to "step up" and offer help where needed are essential aspects of being part of our team.

Applicants would need to be available 5 days per week during school terms, starting by 8:30 each morning, with greater flexibility during school holidays. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real and significant difference to the lives of young people in our community.

Applications close Sunday 4th January 2026.

To read the job description, please click here [PDF].

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]