Permanent full-time position – 38 hours per week

Total renumeration package commencing at $129, 750 p/a

Position based in Cairns 

The Diocese of Cairns established the Professional Standards and Safeguarding Office (PSSO) to provide advice, support and services to the Clergy, Executives, Principals and Managers in the areas of professional conduct, ethical practices, safeguarding of children and at-risk adults, complaint management and internal investigations to support their work in leading and maintaining best practice standards of professionalism and safeguarding in Catholic organisations.   

The PSSO is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled professional to lead the implementation and maintenance of the Diocesan Safeguarding policy and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.  This role will contribute to building the capacity of clergy, employees and volunteers to meet moral, ethical and statutory obligations and the duty of care in relation to safeguarding children, young people or adults-at-risk.  This position will be pivotal in imbedding safeguarding best practice in recruitment, induction, training, education resources, and recording systems. 

Key responsibilities of the DSC include:

• Develop and maintain the Safeguarding Operational Plan 
• Provision of safeguarding advice to management and Parishes of the Diocese   
• Lead and maintain an Audit Schedule and quarterly reporting 
• Provide practical advice and ‘hands-on’ assistance to achieve compliance 
• Support parishes to initiate and implement activities and events that promote awareness of Safeguarding

To be considered you will need:

• Experience and knowledge of child protection legislation, and associated laws, justice, regulatory and compliance fields, project management and community engagement.
• Exceptional ability to develop, deliver and review training and group presentations in various formats. 
• High level communication and relationship building skills 
• A valid Positive Notice Blue Card and suitable National Police Check  
• Current open unrestricted Driver’s Licence and ability to drive 
• Ability to travel and work outside of ordinary hours including weeknights and weekends (on occasion)  

How to Apply

If you have the right skills and experience go to ‘Apply for this job’ and attach your Expression of Interest, Resume with Qualifications and Referees. All applications will be held in the strictest of confidence and must be received by midnight  16 November 2023.  Only applications submitted via SEEK will be considered.

Position Description can be accessed from https://cairns.catholic.org.au/about/careers  

For further information about the position please contact the Professional Standards and Safeguarding Office on 07 4050 9765.