Whs & Child Safety Officer

About The Role

At Y Geelong, we are committed to delivering high-quality services in a healthy, safe, and responsible manner. We are seeking an experienced and values-driven WHS & Child Safety Officer to lead and coordinate health, safety, risk, and child safety initiatives across the organisation. This role plays a critical part in protecting the wellbeing of staff, volunteers, contractors, patrons, and children and young people while strengthening a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a professional who can demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of WHS/OHS systems, legislation, audits, inspections, and compliance requirements.
• Experience identifying risks, investigating incidents, and implementing corrective and preventative actions.
• Exceptional communication and advisory skills, with the ability to influence and support leaders and teams.
• Experience leading child safety initiatives and embedding a strong safeguarding culture.
• Strong governance, compliance, critical thinking, and decision-making skills in complex environments.
• The ability to deliver training, build stakeholder relationships, and drive continuous improvement across multiple sites.

Our Values

At the Y Geelong, we are looking for people who genuinely live and demonstrate our values:

Honesty

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Caring
• Safety

Child Safety Requirements

At The Y, we are committed to empowering all Children and Young People to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. As such, we ensure that all of our candidates are appropriately screened (including police checks) to make sure that the right people are in the right roles. To learn more about our screening processes, click here to view our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy:

https://www.geelong.ymca.org.au/images/documents/policies/2026/YG104-G_Child_Safety_and_Wellbeing_Policy_V14APPROVED_04_03_2026_Replaces_SCYP.pdf

YMCA – Empowering young people. https://ymca.org.au/about-us/safeguarding-children-young-people/safeguardingresources/

All applicants will be obliged to comply with all safeguarding policy and procedures and safe behaviours.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead Safety & Compliance Drive workplace health and safety systems, conduct audits, investigate incidents, and support compliance across Y Geelong.
• Champion Child Safety Embed and promote the Child Safe Standards, strengthen safeguarding practices, and support child safety investigations and reporting.
• Drive Continuous Improvement Lead assurance activities, compliance reviews, risk assessments, and reporting to improve organisational performance.
• Educate & Influence Provide advice, mentoring, training, and guidance to managers and staff to build capability and promote a positive safety culture.
• Build Strong Partnerships Work collaboratively with leaders, regulatory bodies, external stakeholders, and the Y Australia network to support safety and safeguarding outcomes.

About The Y

The Y is a global organisation that works locally to develop stronger communities through leadership opportunities partnering, with other community, private and government organisations and addressing social change in over 120 countries worldwide. The Y Geelong is a for-purpose, not for profit community organisation offering the local community access to recreation, camping, youth, and children’s services.

Benefits And Perks

Flexible work arrangements

Employee Assistance Program

Employee access to Y services and discounts

Ongoing Training and Career Development

Staff Immunisation Program

Attractive family and volunteer leave entitlements

Staff Awards and Social Functions

Safeguarding Children and Young People Requirements

Why Join Us?

• Flexible casual shifts
• Be part of a supportive and energetic team
• Develop leadership and operational skills
• Make a real impact in your community
• Before You Start

Successful Applicants Must Hold Or Obtain

First Aid (HLTAID011) – maintained every 3 years

CPR (HLTAID009) – maintained annually

A current driver’s licence, reliable vehicle, and commitment to annual safeguarding refresher training are also required.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re ready to lead safety, drive positive change, and help create environments where children, young people, staff, and communities can thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help strengthen safety, safeguarding, and wellbeing @ the Y.

Applications Close: 29th July 2026