About Marist180 Marist180 is a not-for-profit organisation with over 500 staff, strongly committed to creating positive change for vulnerable young people and their families. Our teams are our valued partners and key to Marist180’s success. Marist180 is now seeking applications from experienced and committed Safeguarding Officer. Job Description The Position The Safeguarding Officer acts as the primary point of contact for all safeguarding matters, providing expert advice, guidance and support to all staff on all aspects of safeguarding including but not limited to reportable conduct, safeguarding and child protection. This role requires demonstrated experience and working knowledge of the NSW Reportable Conduct Scheme, including conducting procedurally fair investigations in line with Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) requirements and business rules. This role involves a high level of coordinating with various stakeholders, including the Office of the Children’s Guardian, Investigators, Staff and regulatory reporting. Responsibilities span all safeguarding functions, assessing, triaging, responding, reporting, recording and notification requirements under the law. Primary accountabilities of the role of Safeguarding Officer include, but are not limited to: Conduct procedurally fair investigations consistent with the OCG reportable conduct business rules. Serve as the primary contact for safeguarding, child protection, and reportable conduct matters, providing timely and expert advice to protect young people in care. Promote a high-quality, evidence-based safeguarding service through strong inter-disciplinary and inter-agency collaboration. Identify and assess safeguarding risks, escalating concerns appropriately to the Head of Safeguarding and Safeguarding Manager. Assess and determine the validity of allegations under relevant legislation, including the Reportable Conduct Scheme and the Office of the Children’s Guardian Act 2019. Liaise with the NSW Ombudsman and other statutory bodies to clarify thresholds for reportable conduct. Lead or support investigations into safeguarding and reportable conduct allegations, ensuring processes are timely, impartial, trauma-informed, and procedurally fair. Coordinate and brief external investigators when engaged, acting as their primary organisational contact. Conduct outcome meetings with executive stakeholders and facilitate necessary authorisations from Human Resources and Executive teams. Collaborate with Human Resources on professional standards matters, including preparing notifications for Persons Subject of Allegation (PSOA). Ensure all safeguarding reporting and compliance obligations to regulatory bodies (e.g., 7-day, 30-day, and entity reports to the OCG) are met accurately and within required timeframes. Represent the organisation in Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings and maintain liaison with external agencies such as DCJ, Police, and JCPRP. Maintain accurate, confidential written and electronic records in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements. Ensure compliance with relevant legal frameworks, including privacy and data protection obligations. Coordinate with internal stakeholders through regular safeguarding meetings to support awareness and drive service improvements. Support the integration of safeguarding practices into day-to-day program operations. Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by embedding lessons learned from safeguarding and investigation outcomes. Provide safeguarding expertise and advice to the Emergency Response Team as required. Desired Skills and Experience Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, law, education, or a related discipline. Essential Requirements and Skills: Previous experience in conducting formal investigations Working knowledge of Reportable Conduct Scheme and child protection legislation. High-level investigation and interview skills. Excellent written communication, including preparation of investigation reports. Strong organisational skills with attention to detail. Ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion, integrity, and confidentiality. Confidence to engage with senior management, regulators, and external agencies. Ability to assess allegations, determine thresholds, and liaise with statutory authorities. Capacity to balance multiple cases, set priorities, and ensure timeliness of investigations. Safeguarding and child protection principles, legislation, and practices. Knowledge of Investigation processes and requirements under the Reportable Conduct Scheme. Knowledge of Risk assessment and management in relation to safeguarding. Desired Requirements: Working knowledge of reportable allegation investigations Understanding of the Out of Home Care (OOHC) sector Strong report writing and analytical skills. Ability to work under limited direction and exercise autonomy. Work Requirement : Clear National Criminal History Check. Working with Children’s Check. Clear National Criminal History Check. Valid NSW drivers’ licence. Ability to work in Australia Provide M180 consent to complete a verification of the Residential Care Workers Register managed by the office of the Children’s Guardian. Benefits for Working at Marist180 NFP salary packaging up to $15,900 tax-free per years Self-organising team-based structure and an inclusive culture Flexible working arrangements available Generous salary packaging benefits (package up to $15,900 every year) Marist 180 provide Equal Employment Opportunities for everyone. We value the benefits of diversity and strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities, mental health as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and mature aged applicants. How to apply Click “Apply Now” to submit your online application, please include a resume and a cover letter describing how you meet the essential criteria. For more information about the role please email recruitment@m180.org.au. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.
