ROLE DESCRIPTION. Position Title: Child Protection Officer. Name of Employee: Grade: Professional Officer (dependent on experience)

Transcription

1 ROLE DESCRIPTION Position Title: Child Protection Officer Name of Employee: Grade: Reports to: Professional Officer (dependent on experience) Team Leader, Child Protection & Professional Services Date appointed to this position: Date under review: 2019 Name of reviewer: Assistant Director: Human Resources Formal Qualifications Required Essential: Ideally the suitable candidate will have appropriate tertiary qualifications in legal, clinical psychology, social welfare, employment/industrial relations, or other related field. Current Driver s License Required this role involves some travel from the central office location at Leichhardt to schools within the Archdiocese and will require use of own vehicle Desirable: Previous experience in a child protection or related field RD: Position No: Date Last Edited: Version Control:

2 Experience Required The role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a professional team. The role involves working with leadership, employees, children and families within Catholic systemic schools in the area of Child Protection. It also involves liaison with external agencies and interagency partners, NSW Police Force and government authorities. Position Objective To provide professional support to the Team Leader, Child Protection & Professional Services in the delivery of effective Child Protection services and compliance responsibilities to the Archdiocesan system of schools. Key Result Areas Key Result Area Support for Schools in the area of Safe School and work environment Maintain Diocesan systems for Child Aspects of the Role Keep abreast of professional and legislative requirements regarding Child Protection and help to provide professional support, advice and training as required. Provide assistance with the development and monitoring of policies, procedures and systems that relate to Child Protection and compliance with legislative requirements. Assist schools in developing and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for children. The role is required to have a working knowledge of Privacy Legislation and Work, Health and Safety Legislation in order to provide written and verbal advice as required and to ensure that the areas of Child Protection, Code of Professional Conduct, Bullying and Harassment and other areas of responsibility are integrated into a systemic approach consistent with the vision and mission of Sydney Catholic Schools. Maintain systems for: 2

3 Protection identifying and reporting children at risk of harm employment screening and background checking induction, ongoing professional development and support for employees that relate to Child Protection and professional conduct managing Child Protection concerns and complaints liaising with inter-agency partners and relevant government authorities Training and Development Advice and assistance Provide assistance with the continued update and development of resources relevant to Child Protection. Develop Child Protection training modules and provide training to employees Participate in Child Protection forums and liaise with other agencies and government authorities as appropriate The role is required to assist with a range of Employment Relations matters and issues that arise from the key areas of responsibilities. Specific examples include: The provision of advice to Principals, school leadership and system leaders on complaints handling processes Provide assistance with the management of workplace investigations into allegations against employees, volunteers and contractors. Work with leadership in Catholic schools and the system to ensure investigations are conducted according to legislative requirements and procedures within the Archdiocese. Conduct and/or assist with workplace investigations and risk assessments as required. Liaise and consult with Catholic school personnel (and other agencies in the Archdiocese as required) on matters related to Child Protection. Case Management Maintain appropriate case management standards and quality controls. Establish and maintain comprehensive and secure files and help maintain appropriate record systems for the Child Protection function. Assist with the provision of reports and updates as appropriate. Assist with preparation for external auditing and compliance requirements. 3

4 Evidence / Expected Outcomes Systems comply with relevant legislation, including Child Protection, Privacy and EEO Policies, procedures and practices are developed, maintained and reviewed In-services are effectively planned and delivered to staff Investigations (Child Protection and general) are well managed and monitored Cases are managed and audited to ensure standards are met Reports and bulletins are issued to ensure all leaders are current with legislative changes and issues. Handbooks, including policies and procedures are current and relevant Standards in relation to professional conduct are understood and applied by everyone within the system Situations are analysed proactively to ensure legal implications and risks are understood and managed Processes are integrated across multiple areas, e.g. selection and recruitment, grievance handling, WH&S Sensitive leadership is demonstrated in the handling of matters Positive staff relations are developed 4

5 Significant Internal/External Interactions Internal: The role requires significant and ongoing liaison with consultants, school leadership, staff, parents and students. The incumbent will be required to represent Sydney Catholic Schools at cross-sectoral forums, agency meetings and with other Dioceses. Significant cross-departmental liaison is required between this role and other departments in SCS. In particular, the role works closely with the pastoral teams and with the curriculum team on matters of policy development and implementation. External: There is a significant level of liaison required within external stakeholders. In particular, this role interacts regularly with the NSW Ombudsman, NSW Police Force, the Office of Children s Guardian, Family & Community Services (FACS), NSW Department of Education and Communities and other education/schooling providers. Authorities (Delegation) The role is required to exercise leadership, working collaboratively with Sydney Catholic Schools colleagues, school leadership and staff in implementing and evaluating systems for a safe and supportive work and school environment. The role supports the Team Leader, Child Protection & Professional Services in terms of accountability for the day to day functioning of the Child Protection & Professional Services unit. The role is responsible for the management of the Child Protection policy and processes in the Archdiocese and reports on a broad level on strategic direction and potential compliance and risk issues. The role will be managed on a day-to-day basis by the Team Leader, Child Protection & Professional Services, and is also accountable to both the Assistant Director of Human Resources and the Director of Human Resources. 5