AddressThe Opportunity
Are you committed to promoting ethical conduct towards children and vulnerable persons? The Office of Safeguarding is seeking dedicated Case Managers to join our team on a permanent basis. In this pivotal role, you will uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and safeguarding standards, working to ensure the protection and wellbeing of those who receive services and ministry from the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
The Office of Safeguarding collaborates with key statutory authorities such as NSW Police, the Office of the Children's Guardian and the Department of Communities and Justice, as well as other Catholic Church entities to fulfil its responsibilities and enhance safeguarding efforts.
If you are skilled and seeking an opportunity to gather and analyse information, conduct administrative inquiries, assess risk and develop safety plans and lead learning amongst diverse groups of workers, we invite you to apply and be part of our Mission.
Benefits of Working With Us
- Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.
- Salary Packaging
- Fleet car usage
- 1 week shutdown over Christmas and New Year annually (includes 3 days of additional paid leave + public holidays)
- Paid parental leave.
- Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers.
- Corporate benefits, including EAP, flu shots and more.
- Modern office space and facilities.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
A Case Manager for the Office of Safeguarding (OoSG) provides services to ensure that the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons are an integral part of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s culture and daily practices. Services provided by the Case Manager includes:
- a process of intake (analysis and assessment of any safeguarding concerns),
- the provision of professional advice and support to Diocesan personnel that meets statutory and other regulatory requirements and reflect contemporary safeguarding practices,
- conducting administrative inquiries into allegations of abuse and misconduct against Diocesan personnel, and
- safeguarding training of Diocesan personnel.
A Case Manager’s actions are underpinned by the highest standards of ethical conduct, accountability and evidence-based practice. Case Managers will be thorough, whilst also being responsive, effective and efficient in their work.
Administrative inquiries are inquisitorial in nature. The Case Manager is expected to discuss, debate and test their analysis of evidence and key decisions with their colleagues and the Operations Manager.
The Case Manager will also take direction from and consult with the Executive Manager, as appropriate.
The Case Manager may also consult with officers from relevant statutory authorities, as deemed appropriate by the Operations Manager.
The Case Manager will promote the sacredness and dignity of every individual with whom they interact and endeavour to provide an equity of service to all parties involved.
The Case Manager will actively participate and promote the cohesion and model the esprit de corps of the Office of Safeguarding.
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
- A high level of personal responsibility, commitment to professional, ethical and evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Sound time management skills and an ability to work effectively and respectfully in a high pressure work environment.
- Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team answerable to multiple stakeholders.
- Superior communication, liaison and conflict resolution skills, notably record keeping and report writing.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse, classify and appropriately respond to information in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct inquiries of complex matters.
- Demonstrated capacity to undertake risk assessments, develop and implement appropriate safety planning.
- Demonstrated capacity to understand and apply state and federal legislation and industry standards, guidelines and protocols.
- High level skills in promoting an understanding of professional boundaries and professional conduct.
- High level computer skills.
- A sound understanding and application of child protection legislation, notably the Children’s Guardian Act 2019, Children and Young Person’s (Care and Protection) Act 1998, the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012, the Crimes Act 1900 and all related acts, regulations and statutory guidelines (Desirable).
- A sound understanding of the operations of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and ability to assess staff conduct against the NDIS Practice Standards and all related acts, regulations and statutory guidelines related to the provision of people receiving an NDIS funded service (Desirable).
- Demonstrated capacity to provide education and training (Desirable).
- Experience in conducting reportable conduct investigations within the framework determined by the NSW Children’s Guardian (Desirable).
- Experience interviewing children and vulnerable persons (Desirable).
- Experience in providing safeguarding training to a variety of stakeholders (Desirable).
QUALIFICATIONS
- Tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Social Science or related discipline or equivalent industry related experience in the field of Child Protection or criminal or statutory investigations.
- A Working with Children Clearance must be obtained from the Office of the Children’s Guardian prior to commencing the role and must remain current during the entire period in the role. It is the position holder’s responsibility to renew their Clearance prior to expiry.
- National Police Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
- Drivers Licence
- Postgraduate qualification in psychology, social work, legal studies, criminology or related area (Desirable).
- Certificate IV in Training and assessment or relevant industry experience (Desirable).
- Certificate IV in Government Investigations or relevant industry experience (Desirable).
To Apply
Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:
- What motivates your desire for this role and how does it correspond with your career objectives?
- Your professional qualifications and previous experience in a related position.
For any further information about the role, please contact Lisa Wollschlager - Operations Manager Office of Safeguarding: ***************@mn.catholic.org.au
Applications close Friday 17th May 2024 at 11.59pm
Additional Information
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.
