Investigations Officer

**THE ROLE**

The Worker and Carer Exclusion Scheme is established under the Social Services Regulation Act 2021 (the Act). The Worker and Carer Exclusion Scheme is designed to address risks posed by individual workers and carers that require additional interventions. Under the scheme, the Social Services Regulator may refer conduct by a worker in scope of the scheme who has allegedly caused serious harm, or had the potential to cause harm, to children or young people for consideration by a panel for exclusion

Reporting to the Manager, Carer Investigations, the Investigation Officer has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and administration of the receipt and investigation oversight of notifications under the Worker and Carer Exclusion Scheme. The position manages administrative systems, prepares reports, and manages the liaison with stakeholders including out of home care service providers, the Social Services Regulator, and carers.

This position involves the management and handling of challenging and confronting materials. The Investigations Officer will receive and manage of notification and investigation of alleged conduct that caused serious harm, or had the potential to cause harm, to children and young people. This conduct includes sexual offences and misconduct, physical violence, behaviour that causes significant emotional or psychological harm, and significant neglect.

**ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE**

As an Investigations Officer, Child Safeguarding Regulation, you will be responsible for the administration of notifications of alleged conduct by workers and carers that has caused harm to children and young people, undertaking desktop preliminary assessments regarding the alleged conduct, overseeing independent agency appointed investigations and providing written advice regarding the outcome of the investigations.

The role requires analysis, judgement and decision making to provide advice about complex issues arising in the investigation of allegations of abuse of children placed in out-of-home care.
- Coordinate day to day administrative activities and oversight of investigations into alleged conduct by workers and carers that has caused serious harm, or has the potential to cause harm, to children and young people in accordance with the _Social Services Regulations Act 2021. _
- Provide authoritative advice on issues relating to carer exclusions, including the investigative process, to internal and external stakeholders.
- Prepare briefings on the findings of final investigation reports from authorised investigators, including investigation summary and assessment of considerations of the risk of harm to support the decision making of the Social Services Regulator.
- Where responsible for delivering projects including oversight and management of investigations, ensure they are delivered in accordance with relevant legislation, government regulations, guidelines and contractual obligations.
- Pro-actively build and maintain effective and strong connections across the Regulator and with external stakeholders to achieve government and regulatory objectives.
- Participate, as required, in the 24/7 on-call roster providing excluded worker checks for WCES service providers.
- Work with leadership to set and achieve key performance indicators and standards.
- Keep accurate and complete records of your work activities in accordance with legislative requirements and the SSR's records, information security and privacy policies and requirements.
- Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for that of others in the workplace by working in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.

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**HOW TO APPLY**

Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.