Safeguarding Lead

Department: Corporate Services

Type: Full-time

Posted: 8 July 2026

Closes: 22 July 2026

THE ROLE AT THE Y

The Safeguarding Lead sits at the heart of YMCA SA's commitment to safeguarding children and young people, providing expertise, oversight and guidance needed to embed best practice across a diverse, child focused organisation. In this role, you will serve as the organisation’s lead advisor on child safeguarding, providing evidence informed guidance to all staff on safeguarding matters of varying complexity. The role is based in YMCA SA’s Head Office, providing support to all facilities and services across the state.

Key responsibilities include:

• Champion a proactive, child-safe culture and embed safeguarding into everyday operations across every YMCA SA site and service.

• Triage, manage and escalate safeguarding incidents across their full lifecycle, supporting staff and managers at every stage.

• Stay current on child safety legislation, regulatory standards and sector trends, and apply this to keep the whole organisation compliant and audit-ready.

• Analyse safeguarding data from incidents, audits and site observations to spot patterns, gaps and emerging risks, and turn what you learn into practical improvements.

• Prepare monthly safeguarding reports and quarterly action plan updates, giving senior leaders and governance bodies clear, useful insight.

• Lead internal safeguarding working groups, contribute to community of practice forums, and share updates and learnings across the organisation.

• Support the safeguarding lifecycle for staff, from recruitment screening and induction through to training and ongoing capability building.

Successful candidates will have:

• National Child Safety Training ECEC – Foundation. Advanced level TBA upon release. (or be willing to obtain)

• RRHAN-EC Masterclass – Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education & Care (or be willing to obtain)

• Demonstrated experience in child safeguarding or child protection, including incident management, legislative compliance and translating requirements into practical guidance.

• Working knowledge of Early Childhood Education and Care regulations and reporting requirements.

• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to interpret data, prepare governance-level reports and engage credibly across diverse audiences.

• A values-driven professional with experience coaching staff, delivering training and managing competing priorities in a complex, multi-site environment.

ABOUT THE Y

YMCA South Australia is a not-for-profit community organisation that has served the South Australian community for more than 175 years. Our aim is to develop the whole person, helping all South Australians connect with a better life - not only physical fitness and capabilities but also sense of identity, purpose, hope and dignity, psychological health, resilience, social connectedness, lifelong learning and contribution back into the community. We are a leading provider of recreation, community, and children’s services and we deliver programs and services across the state in settings including community recreation centres, swimming pools, health and fitness facilities, community centres, camps, early education and schools and youth services.

BENEFITS WITH THE Y

• Free Access - Free access to YMCA SA managed recreation centres (pools, gyms, courts) and for immediate family when visiting together

• YMCA SA Discounts - 20% off programs, classes, café food, merch, and OSHC/Vacation Care services

• Health and Wellbeing - Access to free flu vaccinations and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with 24/7 support

• Career Growth Opportunities - A culture of empowerment and growth with ongoing opportunities for learning and career/skill development

HOW TO APPLY

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Colin Organ on 8200 2500 or ***email_hidden***

Does this sound like you? Please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking Apply Now (via Seek)! You must address the key selection criteria in your application. Please note, only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

Applications close

22nd July 2026

COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN

At the Y, we're committed to empowering all Children and Young People to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. All candidates are appropriately screened and are in the right roles, including:

• National Police Check (issued in the last 6 months)

• DHS Working with Children Check

• International Criminal History Record Check (if worked overseas in the last 5 years)

YMCA South Australia is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding children, young people, and other vulnerable people.