Safeguarding & Investigation Officer

Purpose of role

The Safeguarding & Investigation Officer will be part of the Quality, Risk and Safeguard (QRS) Team leads and coordinates investigations into allegations of reportable conduct, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or breaches of safeguarding standards. They ensure compliance with ACT Government and NDIS requirements while protecting children, young people, and participants within Striive's care.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Undertake investigations of child protection matters and complaints

2. Establish and maintain appropriate levels of consultation with person subject of the allegation/complaint; Alleged victims; Witnesses; Management and Other relevant external parties

3. Establish and update a risk assessment of the investigation, including a detailed analysis of the specific areas of risk, establishing an assessed level of risk and assist in formulation and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies
4. Plan the investigation, including defining the scope of the inquiries and development of an action plan
5. Undertake preliminary inquiries to gather all available evidence relevant to the investigation, including the gathering and management of evidence and planning and conducting interviews
6. Protect the integrity of the investigation from accidental or intentional compromise, including the identification and reporting of any conflicts of interest

7. Maintain the day-to-day management of investigative processes, including the implementation, coordination and maintenance of all previously cited tasks and processes

8. Report on investigations undertaken and make recommendations

9. Analyse all available evidence and prepare a detailed report on the investigation, including the making of recommendations to the Service Delivery Team as to the appropriate finding to the investigated allegations and possible outcomes

10. Contribute to the performance and functioning of the Quality Risk and Safeguarding Team.

11. Demonstrate and maintain flexibility, both within work hours and outside of work hours, to meet the needs of the QRS

12. Demonstrate and maintain flexibility in undertaking tasks outside the normal range of expectations of the role, as required by the needs of the QRS
13. Work collaboratively with colleagues
14. Develop and maintain appropriate, professional relationships with relevant external agencies and statutory authorities, including the ACT Ombudsman, Community Services, ACT Police, Office of Children's Guardian and other child protection services
15. Maintain up-to-date child protection, investigative and risk management knowledge and practice

Other duties

This list is not exhaustive. The scope of the role may evolve to align with organisational needs. You may be asked to take on additional tasks as directed by management or other departments, including participating in field-based activities as necessary.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Social Science or related discipline or equivalent industry-related experience in the field of Child Protection or criminal or statutory investigations.

• Additional Certifications (Highly Regarded)

• Certificate IV or Diploma in Disability, Community Services, or Mental Health

• WHS qualifications (e.g. Cert IV in Work Health and Safety)
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module and compliance-related learning

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in a quality, risk, compliance, or clinical governance role

• Hands-on experience with:

• NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators

• Child and Youth Safety Standards (e.g. National Principles for Child Safe Organisations)
• Policy and procedure writing
• Preparing for regulatory audits (e.g. NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission, CYF)

• Complaint and incident management processes

• Experience in conducting investigations of reportable conduct within the framework determined by the ACT Ombudsman's Office, including interviewing children and young people.

Skills & competencies

• Strong working knowledge of OOHC and NDIS quality standards, including familiarity with the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
• Highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Competency in audit tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Personal attributes

• Professional, proactive, and client-focused approach.
• Calm under pressure, with the ability to handle complex and sensitive issues.
• Respectful and empathetic in working with others.
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement.
• Tech-savvy and adaptable to digital tools for compliance and reporting.
• Capable of building trust, rapport, and support for change across all levels of the organisation.

Successful applicant will be subject to Working with Vulnerable People and Police Check prior to Employment.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $80,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person