Safeguarding Specialist

About this role

About the Organisation:

At Only About Children, our unique approach to early years learning goes beyond education to encompass the health and wellbeing of every child in our care. We call this The OAC Way. We operate over 80 campuses across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (with more in development) and provide high-quality early years education and care to over 8,000 families. OAC is guided by the HEART Principles - Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. These values shape our approach to child safety, our internal culture, and how we collaborate with external partners.

About the Role:

Only About Children (OAC) is seeking a dedicated Safeguarding Specialist to lead and enhance our commitment to child safety and well-being across our campuses. This role is pivotal in developing, implementing, and refining safeguarding policies and practices, ensuring the highest standards of child protection are met. As the subject matter expert, you will oversee the operational safeguarding practices, build a safeguarding culture within OAC, and engage with key stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and effective response to safeguarding incidents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safeguarding Leadership: Develop, implement, and oversee OAC's safeguarding framework, policies, and procedures. Ensure compliance with National Child Safe Standards and jurisdictional requirements.
• Operational Implementation: Drive the day-to-day application of safeguarding practices across OAC campuses, coaching staff to foster a culture of safety and responsibility.
• Risk Management: Work with the WHS Manager to manage and review safeguarding incidents, ensuring robust risk management strategies are in place.
• Training and Support: Provide training and expert advice to OAC staff on safeguarding best practices, building a safeguarding community and ensuring consistent practices across all campuses.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain relationships with regulatory bodies and safeguarding authorities, including the Department of Education and Child Protection services. Collaborate with external partners, including Bright Horizons UK and US, to ensure alignment with global best practices.
• Investigations and Incident Management: Lead investigations into safeguarding incidents, ensuring thorough and professional handling of confidential information, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in a safeguarding role with a strong understanding of child protection laws and risk management.
• Qualifications in Early Childhood, Education, Community Services, or similar fields (desired).
• Experience in early education and care settings is an advantage.
• Knowledge of National Child Safe Standards and experience with distributed teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of decision-making under pressure.

Key Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to build and maintain a safeguarding community, offering support across various teams.
• Strong organizational and report-writing skills, with an aptitude for communicating complex information effectively.
• Demonstrated resilience and calm under pressure, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

What We Offer:

• Internal leadership opportunities 
• 50% discount for employee childcare fees
• Generous salary and annual salary review
• Up to $2000 employee referral reward scheme
• Vouchers to recognise and celebrate your hard work
• Two ‘Wellbeing Days' and option to purchase up to two weeks additional annual leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for ongoing mental health and wellbeing support
• Retail Discount Program including discounted online and instore vouchers and over 500 online cashback offers

Apply Today
If you're passionate about child protection and want to contribute to a culture of safety and accountability, we invite you to apply for the Safeguarding Specialist role at Only About Children.

Only About Children is an equal opportunity employer and celebrates diversity in all forms.