Child Safety Officer

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Introduction:
About Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services (SCECS)

Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services (SCECS) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and families within our Catholic schools and parishes. SCECS delivers high-quality education and care while fostering strong connections within the Catholic community. By joining SCECS, you become part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to making a positive impact.

Description:
Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services (SCECS)
Full Time | Sydney-based | New Role

About Us

Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services (SCECS) is a not-for-profit provider of high-quality early childhood education and outside school hours care (OSHC). Grounded in the teachings and values of the Catholic Church, we are committed to ensuring the emotional, physical, spiritual, and cultural safety and dignity of every child in our care.

This is an exciting, brand-new role, created to further strengthen our organisation’s commitment to safeguarding. At SCECS, child wellbeing and safety are not just priorities; they are foundational to who we are and central to all our decisions and practices.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Child Safety Officer to lead our safeguarding strategy across all early learning and OSHC services.

About the Role

The Child Safety Officer serves as the organisation’s key advisor on all matters relating to child safeguarding, driving a culture where children’s safety and wellbeing are embedded in every aspect of service delivery.

This role provides expert leadership, guidance, and support to ensure SCECS meets its legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations under the National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards, and child protection legislation. As this is a newly created position, you will have the opportunity to shape, influence, and elevate safeguarding processes across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Child Safety Leadership & Advisory

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Champion a strong child-safe culture across all early learning and OSHC services.

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Provide trusted advice in decisions impacting children’s safety and well-being.

2. Case Management & Reporting

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Lead responses to child safety concerns, allegations, and incidents using a child-centred approach.

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Conduct and oversee comprehensive investigations and case reviews.

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Ensure all reporting obligations to authorities and regulators are met.

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Provide regular updates and insights to the Executive and Board.

3. Risk Assessment & Compliance

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Identify, assess, and mitigate risks to child safety across programs and environments.

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Prepare safeguarding reports, trend analysis, and recommendations.

4. Staff Guidance & Capacity Building

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Mentor and support Operations, Nominated Supervisors, and educators in fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities.

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Offer debriefing and professional guidance following critical incidents or concerns.

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Promote reflective practice and continuous improvement.

5. Professional Development & Training

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Design and deliver sector-specific safeguarding training for all staff.

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Create resources and toolkits to support consistent, high-quality safeguarding practices.

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Ensure induction and ongoing professional learning remain current and compliant.

6. Policy & Framework Development

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Lead the development, review, and enhancement of child safety and well-being policies, procedures, and frameworks.

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Align safeguarding systems with current legislation, standards, and best practice.

Key Relationships

Internal: Executive Team, Operations Team, Nominated Supervisors, Educators, People & Culture, Parents & Children
External: Office of the Children’s Guardian, DCJ, Regulatory Authority, NSW Police, school leaders, clergy, Archdiocese of Sydney, Office of the Privacy Commissioner

About You Essential Qualifications & Experience

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Tertiary qualification in child protection, social work, psychology, policing, law, community welfare, or related field.

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Minimum five years post-qualification experience in child protection or related roles.

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At least two years’ experience leading workplace investigations, including risk assessments and case management.

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Strong understanding of NSW child protection legislation, National Quality Standards, and Child Safe Standards.

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Experience designing and delivering professional learning programs, including digital delivery.

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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills capable of building trust and influence.

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Valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

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Current driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.

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Commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Church and SCECS.

Desirable

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Experience in early childhood education, OSHC, or the not-for-profit sector.

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Knowledge of Catholic schools and systems.

Why Join SCECS?

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Be part of an organisation that takes child wellbeing and safety seriously.

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Opportunity to shape and establish safeguarding systems in a newly created leadership role.

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Work within a supportive, values-driven team dedicated to high-quality early education.

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Competitive salary and access to not-for-profit salary packaging benefits.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about child safety and committed to strengthening safeguarding practices across early learning and OSHC services, we would love to hear from you.