Child Safeguarding Lead

St Joseph’s offers an inclusive and non-discriminating learning community to young people, who for a variety of reasons, make the choice to attend a specialised learning environment. St Joseph’s operates across multiple campuses, located in North Melbourne, Geelong, Colac, Ballarat, and a dual engagement virtual learning campus, BlendED (subject to regulatory approval). The young people who attend have typically experienced one or more significant and complex educational, social, developmental, psychological, health, legal or familial situations which demand unique responses. Such interventions are embedded within the Operation By Principles framework, which combine education with an understanding of trauma-informed practice.

BlendED, is a new and innovative online engagement curriculum program that seeks to address the complex needs that young people face when they are struggling to engage outside of the home, whether it be with their local community and/or education. A Victorian-first education model that combines online individualised learning with in-person wellbeing support. The curriculum is delivered through a mix of virtual live classes and assigned tasks that students can access anytime they like.

The Child Safeguarding Lead position will be responsible for supporting St Joseph’s North Melbourne’s BlendED program to implement and lead a range of child safety initiatives and responses. The role is integral to ensuring that students feel safe and supported, and that the school meets their commitments in relation to protecting children from harm. The role will report to the Child Safety Project Manager, and work alongside a team of dedicated Child Safeguarding Leads and Support Officers. 

The Role:

• We are looking for a full time Child Safeguarding Lead to join our team. You will be working at home and our offices in St Kilda and Carlton, with travel between sites and within the community.
• You will be employed on an ongoing basis, commencing ASAP, and will be employed under the Catholic Education Multi Enterprise Agreement 2022. 

You will need:

• Ability to commit to and work within our Operating Principles; Respect, Participation, Safe and Legal and Honesty.
• Tertiary Qualification in Education, Youth Work, Social Work, Psychology and Behavioural Science and/or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated understanding of risk and protective factors related to childhood and adolescent development.
• Demonstrated understanding of Child Safety legislation and regulations as they apply to schools in Victoria.
• Experience in working with young people with complex needs, their families and community to support safety and wellbeing outcomes
• Demonstrated understanding of risk and protective factors related to engaging with child in online environments
• Ability to obtain a Working with Children Check and provide a National Police Check certificate (issued within the last six months)
• Previous experience and/or qualifications relevant to supporting and/or leading an organisations commitment to being a child safe organisation. 
• The ability to inspire and engage young people
• Be willing to support young people and our team members to reach their potential

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are encouraged to apply, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity.

To Apply:

Please visit our website, learn about our work, and review the position information in Employment Opportunities at www.stjosephs.vic.edu.au/careers.  Forward your application to ***********@stjosephs.vic.edu.au and include:

• A letter of introduction and a one-page response to the duties and responsibilities listed in the position description and how you would meet them;
• A current curriculum vitae outlining previous experience and skills;
• Two referees (including contact details). Please include a referee from current or most recent place of employment, if this is a school it needs to be the principal.

For further information contact: Tom Mason on 0477 078 ***.

Application close 5pm Friday 22 March 2024

Applications will be considered as they are received.

St Joseph’s Schools are a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition and are recognised as a leading organisation for the provision of educational and social inclusion programs for disenfranchised young people.

All applicants will be subject to EREA and legislative screening procedures.  These checks are consistent with EREA’s commitment to child protection policies and procedures.  Edmund Rice Education Australia is committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and young people. Please review the Information Collection Notice on our website for details about how we manage your employment application information.

St Joseph’s is a child safe environment. St Joseph's is committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and participation of all children and young people under our care. All school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards MO1359. All employees abide by the Child Safety Code of Conduct available on our website.