Job Title: Social Work/Community Support Lead
Location: Canterbury Men's Centre, Christchurch
Reports To: General Manager
Employment Type: Fixed-term
Hourly Rate: Range $31-$36/hour
Contract Duration: Fixed-term role ending 30 September 2027 due to an external funding grant.
Purpose of the Role
This is a fixed term role ending on 30 September 2027. The role will oversee a small team of peer and community support workers while providing social work services to support the overall wellbeing of men accessing the Canterbury Men’s Centre. The role will focus on providing trauma-informed, compassionate support to male survivors of sexual abuse and men needing support in the community. There is also an opportunity to support the development of wellbeing and social work students.
Key Responsibilities
Community team leadership
Support a small team of peer and community support workers to ensure that all elements of our service delivery meet the appropriate standards expected of a level 2 accredited service.
Peer Support for Male Survivors of abuse in state care
Provide group and one to one peer support to male survivors of sexual abuse and their whānau.
Draw from your own lived experience to offer empathy, understanding, and hope in a professional manner.
Establish and maintain a network of support across Canterbury for male survivors of sexual abuse.
Advocate for the needs and rights of survivors based on what survivors identify as important to them.
General Client Support and Assessment
Welcome and support men accessing the service with warmth and compassion.
Conduct comprehensive initial needs and risk assessments for male clients and couples.
Identify appropriate internal and external support options and ensure timely referrals, appointments are carried out to completion.
Support men to access meaningful supports.
Group Facilitation
Coordinate weekly peer support groups including a group focused on male survivors of state care abuse, ensuring survivor voices shape the design and operation of the group.
Promote an inclusive, survivor-led environment that fosters connection and healing.
Networking and Interagency Collaboration
Build strong relationships with appropriate community services, kaupapa Māori and Pasifika providers, and government agencies.
Facilitate referrals and support men to engage with internal and external services as needed.
Collaborate closely with colleagues at the Canterbury Men’s Centre to ensure seamless wraparound care as needed.
Cultural Responsiveness and Kaupapa Māori Integration
Provide kaupapa Māori models of wellbeing in your work with survivors.
Work alongside kaupapa Māori practitioners to ensure appropriate cultural approaches are visible, valued, and accessible to clients.
Professional Standards and Safety
Become familiar with and adhere to all relevant policies, procedures, Acts, and regulations guiding the services of the Canterbury Men’s Centre.
Maintain accurate client notes and ensure timely monthly reporting.
Use de-escalation and conflict resolution skills to support distressed clients calmly and safely when required.
Participate in regular supervision and professional development activities.
Supporting Students
Supervise a small team of social work and well-being students completing placement on site.
Essential Requirements
Demonstrated ability to work compassionately with all men and their whānau, including male survivors and people in distress.
Understanding of trauma-informed practice and peer support principles.
Strong communication, assessment, and advocacy skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
Lived experience as a male survivor of sexual abuse and a commitment to upholding the CPSLE guidelines.
Respect for cultural diversity and a working knowledge of kaupapa Māori models.
Ability to build professional relationships with external agencies and providers.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience
A social work or counselling degree.
Experience in group facilitation and peer support coordination.
Familiarity with relevant New Zealand legislation and community mental health systems.
Current full NZ driver’s licence and vehicle to travel locally as needed.
Additional Information
The role is subject to police vetting and reference checks.
Regular supervision will be provided.
This position is fixed-term ending on 30 September 2026 due to being primarily funded by a grant through the Department of Internal Affairs.
Work Environment
This role is primarily based at the Canterbury Men’s Centre, with some outreach and community-based engagement required including work within Christchurch Prisons. Evening work one day a week may be necessary to support group facilitation.