Honesty Trust Respect Concern Love

Child Safety Officer

• Full-time, Permanent.
• Based at Richmond & Lower Plenty with travel to other sites
• $121,848 per annum, plus super
• 17.5% annual leave loading and generous salary packaging options
• Progressive Workplace Flexibility options that enable genuine work life balance
• Will be provided with an OV Laptop & OV Mobile Phone.

At Odyssey Victoria, we know we can do better and that’s where you come in!
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Child Safety Officer to help lead the way in strengthening and embeddings our child safeguarding practices across our services, with a focus on our residential programs where children live or visit. This is a hands-on, standalone role where you’ll have the opportunity to drive real change and make a lasting impact on the lives on children and young people.

This role isn’t just about compliance, it’s about culture. You’ll work across teams to build capability, support continuous improvement and make sure the voices and rights of children are heard and respected.

About the role
Recent reviews have shown we have room to improve, and we’re committed to doing the work. You’ll play a key role in implementing our latest action plan, guiding our response to child safety risks and building the confidence and skills of our staff.
Working closely with Executive leadership and frontline teams, you will:

• Hit the ground running and lead child safe initiatives
• Oversee our policies, audits and compliance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards
• Action the outcomes of our recent Child Safe Audit
• Provide expert advice on risk assessments, incident reviews, and safety planning
• Support staff with training, consultation, and child-centred practices
• Lead initiatives to enhance child participation and ensure children's rights are upheld in everything we do
• Contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, and inclusion across programs
  

About you
You’re a confident experienced professional who can work independently whilst building trust and collaboration across diverse teams. You’re not afraid to challenge the status quo and bring others along.

You’ll bring:

• A degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child Protection or a related field
• Experience in child protection, family services, or residential care
• In-depth knowledge of child safety legislation and reporting obligations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A practical, solution focused approach to policy, practice and cultural change
  

Why join us?

• Purpose-driven work with real community impact
• Supportive and values-led workplace
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development

For a copy of the position description which outlines the full suite of responsibilities and key selection criteria, click HERE (https://odyssey.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/POSCS5024-Child-Safety-Officer.pdf).

Application information

Please apply directly via our careers website (applications via external recruitment websites or via email will not be considered)

Applications should be addressed to Neos Zavrou and include your CV and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

If you have any questions relating to the position, please contact Neos Zavrou Executive Manager – Practice Excellence on [email protected].

We will be assessing applications on a rolling basis and suitable candidates will be shortlisted immediately. This role will close once a suitable candidate has been selected, so please don’t wait to apply!

Our commitment to diversity

At OV we value diversity and believe that a range of backgrounds brings a variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences that will enhance our effectiveness. We promote a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value unique contributions by encouraging people with disability, Aboriginal Australians, LGBTQIA, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for this position.

Safety screening

OV is committed to child safety and is a child safe organisation. All OV employees must undergo Police Records and Working with Children Checks. Any person issued with a negative notice on their Working with Children Check will not be eligible for employment with us.

Mandatory COVID vaccinations

In line with OV's Mandatory Vaccination Policy, all Odyssey Victoria staff are required to hold Fully Vaccinated (Boosted) status, having also received the Booster Vaccination. Evidence of this minimum of three (3) COVID-19 vaccinations will be requested during the onboarding process and offers will be rescinded where such evidence cannot be provided.

All Odyssey Victoria sites are smoke free for all employees