Safeguarding and Practice Improvement Lead

• Iconic social services organisation - Melbourne | hybrid/flex work
• Embed trauma-informed client safety frameworks
• $125K package (inc super) & attractive PBI/NFP packaging

The Organisation

Our client is a prominent Victorian community services provider dedicated to disrupting disadvantage. For over 170 years, they have supported individuals through diverse programs, including disability services, homelessness support, education, and palliative care. They are deeply committed to an inclusive workplace culture that celebrates diversity and provides equitable access for all.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Quality Assurance & Risk Management, the Safeguarding and Practice Improvement Lead is a critical position within the Quality and Risk team. You will be instrumental in strengthening the organisation’s safeguarding frameworks and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred outcomes for vulnerable community members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support organisational safeguarding practices, ensuring strict adherence to Child Safe Standards (CSS), Social Services Standards (SSS), and legislative requirements.
• Act as a subject matter expert and internal coach, delivering safeguarding training and providing advice on complex issues across the organisation.
• Lead internal audits, monitoring processes, and compliance assessments against standards such as ISO 9001 and NDIS frameworks.
• Coordinate legislative updates and support leaders in undertaking operational risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Champion continuous improvement by collaborating with teams to co-design service enhancements that elevate the client voice.
• Manage organisational Quality and Risk systems, including the administration of RiskMan.

About You

You are a purpose-driven communicator with a strategic mindset and a collaborative approach. You are a self-starter, methodical, professional, and curious. You bring:

• A degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related discipline with a focus on child development, trauma-informed practice, or human behaviour.
• Demonstrated experience in safeguarding theory, including incident investigation, root cause analysis, and risk identification.
• Deep understanding of statutory obligations, particularly Child Safe Standards and relevant community services frameworks.
• A proven track record in leading quality improvement activities, internal audits, or accreditation processes.
• A skilled communicator capable of preparing high-level reports and influencing cross-functional teams through change.

Experience with RiskMan and Microsoft applications (SharePoint, Power BI) is highly desirable.

We understand that some applicants may not meet every requirement listed. If you are excited about this opportunity and believe your skills, experience and values align with the role, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate the capability and potential to succeed, even if they do not meet every criterion

The Offer

The opportunity to lead safeguarding and practice improvement, on offer is a salary package of $125K (including superannuation). Attractive PBI/NFP salary packaging benefits are also available. Hybrid and flexible work options are also available.

If you are someone who thrives on building relationships with purpose, loves attention to detail, and enjoys working collaboratively across teams to bring bold processes to life, please make an application by clicking the 'Apply' tab below to submit your resume in Word format. To confidentially discuss this role further, please feel free to call Alex Cooper on 0472 510 848 from Johnson Recruitment.

Johnson Recruitment actively embraces diversity in the workforce through inclusive community representation of gender, culture, thought, and work arrangements.