Safeguarding Coordinator, Archdiocese of Wellington
Type: Part-time, permanent (0.6-0.8 FTE role)
Location: Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington – Te Rohe Pīhopa Matua o te Whanganui-a-Tara, based at 204 Thorndon Quay, Wellington
Application Deadline: 7 January 2024
About Us
We are the Catholic community of the lower North and upper South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand, following Jesus Christ by celebrating and sharing faith, growing in community, caring for our common home, and working for justice and peace.
About the Role
Our current Safeguarding Coordinator is retiring and so we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Safeguarding Coordinator to work closely with our parishes, clergy, volunteers and staff.
The Safeguarding Coordinator takes the lead in instituting a culture of safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults in the Archdiocese, through the implementation and oversight of a safeguarding programme. As part of this role the Safeguarding Coordinator works with the National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) and other diocesan Safeguarding Coordinators on the national policy framework and programme and implementing these in the Archdiocese. The primary focus of the role is on coordinating Archdiocesan parishes and organisations in creating a safe environment for our children, youth and vulnerable adults.
Key Responsibilities
As the Safeguarding Coordinator, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals within our community. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Safeguarding Policy Frameworks: Review, develop and implement effective safeguarding policies and procedures in line with statutory requirements and the guidelines set by the Archdiocese.
- Formation and training: Organise and deliver training sessions for clergy, staff, and volunteers to raise awareness of safeguarding issues and promote best practices. This requires some travel around the Greater Wellington region and Upper South Island.
- Community Engagement: Develop communication plans to raise general awareness of safeguarding in the Archdiocese.
- Support and Guidance: Provide support and guidance to the Archbishop, parishes and individuals dealing with safeguarding issues, including victims and their families.
- Monitoring, Accountability: Ensure the NOPS Self-Review is being carried out by all parishes, Archdiocesan work sites and Catholic entities in the Archdiocese using volunteers, providing assistance where needed.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with external agencies, safeguarding coordinators, and other relevant bodies to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to safeguarding.
About You
To be successful in this role, you should possess the following qualifications and skills:
- Relevant professional qualifications.
- An understanding of, and commitment to, working in a way which respects the mission and values of the Archdiocese and the multi-cultural nature of the Catholic Church and the wider community in New Zealand.
- A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and an understanding or willingness to learn about Te Ao Māori
- Display strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively with clergy and parish volunteers.
- The ability to manage self and organise workload effectively.
- A commitment to ongoing professional development and training.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to relate to a wide range of people.
- Readiness to work under the leadership of the Archbishop.
- The ability to travel domestically
- A full, clean drivers licence
Desired experience
- Experience in safeguarding/child protection
- A good working knowledge of the New Zealand legal, social work and healthcare structure and systems.
- Background in trauma informed methodology.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about safeguarding and want to play a crucial role in our mission, please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest in the position. Email your application to info@wn.catholic.org.nz.
Deadline for Applications
Please submit your application by 7 January 2024. We will be reviewing applications and arranging interviews immediately, so please get your applications in.
Download the position description here.
The Archdiocese of Wellington is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated Safeguarding Coordinator to our team and working together to create a safe and inclusive community.
Tuākana Youth Minister
This programme provides training and support to become a Tuākana Youth Minister within a College for the school year, joining the Archdiocese’s Young Church team.
This is a paid, part-time role, with positions available across the Greater Wellington region and Nelson.
Tuākana are assigned to a Catholic college within our Archdiocese and they work alongside the Director of Religious Studies of the school, and with our Young Church Ministry team.
The Tuākana is there to:
- accompany students in their faith journey at school
- to bear witness to the value and relevance of Catholic faith
- and to support and encourage the very heart of the college’s Catholic Character.
This programme has been running since 2020. This role is about supporting young people to be able to freely express and grow in their faith, with the Tuākana Youth Minister supporting and accompanying them.
We will be reviewing applications as they arrive and arranging interviews, so please get your application in!