Child Safeguarding Manager in Melbourne

Edmund Rice Education Australia – Carlton North VIC

EREA BlendED National is a network of registered secondary schools, offering a dual engagement model of education. EREA BlendED National is an initiative of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), with a growing footprint across Australia. We exist for young people experiencing school can’t, wanting to learn but currently unable to manage a traditional classroom for a range of complex reasons, which may include trauma, anxiety, disability, bullying, or other barriers to engagement.

Our dual engagement model combines teacher-led virtual face-to-face learning, regular in-person gatherings, and ongoing wellbeing support. Learning is guided by Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) developed alongside young people and their families. Through strengths-based, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed practice, we create an inclusive and empowering environment where young people can reconnect with education and thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Our young people come from diverse backgrounds and may experience complex educational, social, developmental, environmental, psychological, health or legal barriers to learning. We recognise that each young person's journey is unique and work from a strengths-based, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed framework that prioritises connection, participation and individual growth.

Our Values

Respect, Safe and Legal. Known as Operation by Principles (OBP), this framework provides a shared foundation for young people, families and staff, ensuring relationships and learning are grounded in mutual understanding, accountability and unconditional positive regard.

Our Team

EREA BlendED National is expanding, with successful schools now established in Tasmania and Queensland. As we continue our growth, we are preparing to commence in New South Wales from Term 1 2027, further extending our reach across Australia. We are building a dynamic, nationally connected team including Principals, Program Directors, Teachers, Wellbeing Workers, and Learning Support Officers across each state. Together, this team delivers innovative online education to young people who require alternative and supportive learning pathways.

The Role

The Child Safeguarding Manager - National is responsible for leading and coordinating BlendED's national child safeguarding framework, ensuring the organisation meets its obligations under applicable Child Safe Standards, child protection legislation, reportable conduct requirements, and other relevant regulatory frameworks across all jurisdictions in which BlendED operates.

The role provides expert advice and support to school leaders, operational leaders and executive stakeholders on child safeguarding matters, including mandatory reporting obligations, reportable conduct matters, student wellbeing concerns and child safety incidents.

Employment: Ongoing; Full-time

Commencement: January 2027

Salary: The Child Safeguarding Manager - National will receive a competitive Total Employment Package, reflective of the organisation’s national scope, not for profit (PBI) status, and the seniority of the role. Specific salary details will be discussed with shortlisted candidates; however, the package includes a range of benefits that support flexibility, professional growth, and the practical requirements of the position.

You will need

• Ability to commit to and work within our Operating Principles; Respect, Participation, Safe and Legal and Honesty
• Tertiary qualification in Education, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Law, Child Protection, Human Resources or a related discipline.
• Minimum five years' experience in child safeguarding, child protection, education compliance, wellbeing or a related field.
• Experience providing advice on complex safeguarding or child protection matters.
• Demonstrated experience in child safeguarding, child protection, student wellbeing, education compliance or a related field.
• Hold valid Working with Children Checks in VIC/TAS/QLD/NSW or have the ability to obtain.
• Hold a current police check less than 6 months old, or ability to obtain one.
• Hold appropriate Australian Work Rights.
• Valid First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain.
• Valid Australian Driver’s Licence and willingness to drive school vehicles when required.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EREA BlendED National is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

We are a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition and are recognised as a leading organisation for the provision of educational and social inclusion programs for young people experiencing school can’t. All applicants will be subject to EREA’s and legislative screening procedures. These checks are consistent with our commitment to child protection policies and procedures. We are committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and young people. Please review the Information Collection Notice on our website for details about how we manage your employment application information.

We are a child safe organisation, committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and participation of all children and young people under our care. All staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations. All staff abide by the Child Safety Policies available at: www.blendednational.edu.au