EMPLOYMENT

Safeguarding Lead Full-time - Permanent Camberwell, VIC About the Role We are seeking an experienced and passionate Safeguarding Lead to oversee organisational safeguarding requirements for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This pivotal role ensures our systems, culture, and workforce are aligned with State and Commonwealth safeguarding legislation, as well as Baptcare’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all vulnerable people. You will lead the development and delivery of safeguarding initiatives, drive audit and compliance improvements, and build an informed and proactive organisational culture. As a trusted expert, you will advise senior leadership on safeguarding matters and contribute to investigations involving potential breaches of Baptcare’s Safeguarding Framework. Key Responsibilities Lead and promote a strong safeguarding culture across Baptcare. Provide expert advice to leaders and ensure compliance with child safety and safeguarding requirements. Review and maintain safeguarding policies, frameworks and procedures. Monitor safeguarding practices, incidents and trends, and drive continuous improvement. Build engagement with children, young people, families and vulnerable adults to ensure their voices shape our services. Manage safeguarding reports, concerns and risks, and maintain the Vulnerability Risk Register. Deliver and oversee safeguarding training, induction and awareness programs for staff, carers and volunteers. About us We are proud to be part of the merged care organisation that will be known nationally as BaptistCare. As a for purpose, Christian care organisation, we are committed to providing exceptional support and services across Australia. Together BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) and Baptist Care SA we employ over 12,000 dedicated employees and support over 38,000 customers to help people live well with dignity and purpose. From older Australians and their families to people facing significant disadvantage, our passion and our priority are the customers we serve. We strive to deliver care as it should be – with people right at the centre About You As the Safeguarding Lead you will: Have a tertiary qualification and/or specialist experience in policy, safeguarding or service development in the families, youth or children’s sector (or relevant equivalent). Experience implementing child safe or safeguarding frameworks in a community, family, youth or children’s services context. Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills. Experience managing risk, incidents or reportable conduct processes. Ability to provide clear advice, write reports and manage competing priorities. Key Selection Criteria Demonstrated experience in implementing organisational child safe action plans. Ability to build and manage strong stakeholder relationships across all levels of leadership. Collaborative approach to organisation-wide change and improved client and community outcomes. Strong capability in risk assessment, monitoring and management. Competence in preparing reports, including analysis, recommendations and determinations. Proven ability to prioritise and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment. Experience providing staff guidance, advice and training. Commitment to Baptcare’s Mission, Vision and Values. How to Apply If you are a safeguarding professional with a passion for protecting vulnerable people and leading organisational change, we would love to hear from you. Apply now with your resume and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a National Criminal History check. A medical assessment will be conducted to see if you are physically capable for the role If you require support with the application process, please contact Eman on eelhessny@baptcare.org.au At Baptcare, we value diversity in all forms and aim to co-create inclusive experiences and communities with our employees, volunteers, the people we work alongside and our partners. We are committed to diversity and inclusion across all we do and to building communities and workplaces where everyone belongs. Baptcare is dedicated to the safety, empowerment, and participation of all children. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to a thoughtful, protective environment that supports infants, children, and young people to feel safe and respected. Baptcare (VIC, TAS) is proud to be working towards uniting with BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) and Baptist Care SA, to create a newly merged national care organisation committed to providing exceptional support and services across Australia. Together, we are building on a shared history of care and compassion, expanding our reach, and strengthening our mission to help people live well with dignity and purpose.