Delta Community Support Trust is a well-established, values-led organisation based in Richmond, Christchurch. We work alongside people and communities to promote positive relationships, personal growth, and full participation in community life.
Friendship Link is Delta’s long-standing programme supporting people with intellectual and other disabilities to build friendships, life skills, confidence, and independence through meaningful participation in everyday community life.
As Friendship Link Manager, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, development, and delivery of the Friendship Link programme. Your focus will be on strengthening programme quality, growing membership, ensuring sustainability, and positioning Friendship Link as a preferred transition pathway beyond school for participants and their families.
This role is both strategic and operational, ideal for a leader who enjoys shaping future direction while remaining closely connected to participants, staff, and the community.
Programme Leadership & Development
Lead the transition to a skills-based, empowerment-focused programme model
Design and deliver high-quality programmes supporting independence, employability, wellbeing, and community participation
Ensure participant progress is tracked and outcomes are measurable and meaningful
Flourish Café Leadership
Provide leadership and operational oversight of Flourish Café as a training and community-facing enterprise
Ensure safe, professional, and ethical operations including food safety and surplus distribution
Support growth toward expanded operating days as capacity allows
Membership Growth & Client Management
Grow membership through strong relationships with families, schools, transition providers, and support agencies
Oversee client onboarding, transitions, records, attendance, and reporting
Respond appropriately and compassionately to enquiries from clients and families
Staff & Volunteer Leadership
Lead, supervise, and support staff, volunteers, and student placements
Recruit, onboard, train, and retain volunteers aligned with programme needs
Foster a culture of trust, accountability, learning, and participant-centred practice
Quality, Safety & Best Practice
Ensure compliance with Delta policies, Health and Disability Sector standards, and funding requirements
Monitor and continuously improve programme quality, safety, and effectiveness
Financial & Administrative Oversight
Work with the General Manager to manage the Friendship Link budget
Ensure sound financial administration, reporting, and daily operational systems
External Relationships & Promotion
Build strong relationships with disability sector partners, schools, funders, and community organisations
Promote Friendship Link within the sector and wider community
Represent the programme in relevant forums and networks
Reporting & Accountability
Provide regular reports to the General Manager, Board, and funders
Complete Ministry of Health and other performance reporting
You will bring:
Proven leadership and people-management experience
At least 5 years’ experience in social services or a related field, including working with people with intellectual disabilities
Strong relationship-building skills with families, funders, schools, and sector partners
Sound financial and administrative capability
A calm, compassionate, and values-driven leadership style
You will also have:
A full driver’s licence
The ability to pass a Police Check
Confidence using Microsoft Office and basic IT systems
Desirable but not essential:
A relevant qualification (certificate or diploma)
Experience with community-based enterprise or employment pathways
Be part of a respected, mission-driven organisation with deep community roots
Lead a programme with real impact and strong future growth potential
Work in a supportive, values-led team environment
If you are ready to lead a programme that empowers people, builds genuine inclusion, and strengthens community connection, we would love to hear from you.
Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 25th January
Delta Community Support Trust is a well-established, values-led organisation based in Richmond, Christchurch. We work alongside people and communities to promote positive relationships, personal growth, and full participation in community life.