Child Safety Officer

Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services; Council of the City of Sydney; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A not-for-profit early childhood service in Sydney seeks a Child Safety Officer to lead safeguarding processes and ensure the wellbeing of children. The role requires a tertiary qualification in child protection and extensive experience in related fields. It offers an opportunity to shape safety standards and work within a values-driven team dedicated to high-quality education and child safety.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Not-for-profit salary packaging benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum five years post-qualification experience in child protection or related roles.
• Experience leading workplace investigations, including risk assessments.
• Valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Responsibilities

• Champion a strong child-safe culture across all early learning and OSHC services.
• Provide trusted advice in decisions impacting children’s safety and well-being.
• Lead responses to child safety concerns, allegations and incidents.

Skills

Child protection

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in child protection, social work, psychology or related field

Job 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.

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 a newly created position, you will have the opportunity to shape, influence and elevate safeguarding processes across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Champion a strong child‑safe culture across all early learning and OSHC services.
2. Provide trusted advice in decisions impacting children’s safety and well‑being.
3. Lead responses to child safety concerns, allegations and incidents using a child‑centred approach.
4. Conduct and oversee comprehensive investigations and case reviews.
5. Ensure all reporting obligations to authorities and regulators are met.
6. Provide regular updates and insights to the Executive and Board.
7. Identify, assess and mitigate risks to child safety across programs and environments.
8. Prepare safeguarding reports, trend analysis and recommendations.
9. Mentor and support Operations, Nominated Supervisors and educators in fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities.
10. Offer debriefing and professional guidance following critical incidents or concerns.
11. Promote reflective practice and continuous improvement.
12. Design and deliver sector‑specific safeguarding training for all staff.
13. Create resources and toolkits to support consistent, high‑quality safeguarding practices.
14. Ensure induction and ongoing professional learning remain current and compliant.
15. Lead the development, review and enhancement of child safety and well‑being policies, procedures and frameworks.
16. 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

• Tertiary qualification in child protection, social work, psychology, policing, law, community welfare or related field.
• Minimum five years post‑qualification experience in child protection or related roles.
• At least two years’ experience leading workplace investigations, including risk assessments and case management.
• Strong understanding of NSW child protection legislation, National Quality Standards and Child Safe Standards.
• Experience designing and delivering professional learning programs, including digital delivery.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills capable of building trust and influence.
• Valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).
• Current driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Church and SCECS.

Desirable

• Experience in early childhood education, OSHC or the not‑for‑profit sector.
• Knowledge of Catholic schools and systems.

Why Join SCECS?

• Be part of an organisation that takes child wellbeing and safety seriously.
• Opportunity to shape and establish safeguarding systems in a newly created leadership role.
• Work within a supportive, values‑driven team dedicated to high‑quality early education.
• 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.