Child Safe Advisor

Lead Darebin City Council’s Child Safe Framework and drive organisation-wide cultural change. Influence strategic policy, compliance and risk management outcomes that protect children and young people. Manage a dedicated Child Safety Project Officer (temporary to 30 June 2028) while working across all Council divisions and with key external stakeholders.

Share our commitment to making a real impact on the lives of children and young people in a dynamic, future focused environment.

Darebin City Council is seeking an experienced Child Safety Advisor to provide strategic leadership of Council’s Child Safe Framework. Reporting to the Manager Children, Youth & Families, this permanent Band 8 position is responsible for ensuring Council meets its child safety obligations while fostering a strong organisational culture that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

Working across the organisation, you will lead policy development, compliance initiatives, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement activities aligned with the Victorian Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme.

You will:

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Darebin’s Child Safe Framework and safeguarding policies.
• Drive compliance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards, Reportable Conduct Scheme and relevant legislation.
• Provide strategic advice, risk management expertise and regular reporting to the Executive Leadership Team.
• Deliver organisation-wide child safety training, communications and awareness initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with community partners, regulators, networks and internal stakeholders while leading the Child Safety Project Officer.

About you:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in human services, community services, compliance, risk management or a related discipline, and/or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience implementing the Victorian Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme.
• Proven success leading organisational frameworks, compliance programs, cultural change initiatives or improvement projects.
• Highly developed communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical, policy development and risk management capabilities, with the ability to manage sensitive and complex matters with integrity.

Applications close COB Thursday 12 November 2026. Applications will be reviewed during the advertising period so if you’re interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to get your application in as early as possible.

For a confidential discussion about the role and the opportunity, contact Jo Samle, Manager Children Youth and Families. Email Jo.smale@darebin.vic.gov.au or mobile: 0418 123 604.

Should you need reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs, please get in contact with us and advise how we can best support you.

Pre-employment Checks: Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough ‘Safety Screening’ processes apply. To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards. All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment.

Darebin City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners and custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders past and present.