The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is seeking a Safeguarding Manager (Claims Redress) to lead a specialist team within the Office of Safeguarding (OoSG). Reporting to the Assistant Director of Safeguarding, you will manage the Diocese’s personal injury claims and National Redress Scheme obligations, providing critical oversight and ensuring the highest standards of professional, ethical, and trauma-informed practice.
This role offers the chance to contribute to a safeguarding culture across the Diocese, advise senior leadership on emerging risks, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including legal representatives, insurers, and statutory authorities. You will lead a high-performing team, ensure compliance with statutory and diocesan requirements, and act as a trusted representative of the OoSG in forums and external engagements.
The ideal candidate will have tertiary qualifications in social work, law, or a related field (or equivalent experience), strong leadership skills, and a demonstrated ability to manage sensitive claims and complex stakeholder relationships with discretion and integrity. A Working with Children Clearance and current criminal record check are required.
If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding and claims management, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits of Working With Us
Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community
Paid parental leave
Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport (T&C’s apply)
Ongoing training and development opportunities
A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers
Enjoy up to 10% off at top retailers with our mnBenefits program
Modern office facilities including onsite café
Corporate benefits, including EAP, flu shots and more
The Safeguarding Manager (Claims Redress) (‘Manager’) is an operational leader in the Office of Safeguarding (OoSG) who will be reporting to the Assistant Director of Safeguarding.
The Manager will lead a small specialist team to conduct highly sensitive and demanding work in vital areas of responsibility for the Diocese,
including:
personal injury claims brought against the Diocese by persons who allege that they have suffered harm from having been abused
the Diocese’s obligations in meeting its commitment to the National Redress Scheme.
The Manager will:
work collaboratively with the other managers and staff in the OoSG and support the efficiency and effectiveness of the OoSG
support Director and Assistant Director in promoting a safeguarding culture across the parishes and agencies of the Diocese
analyse data and other intelligence that arise from their management of the Diocese’s claims portfolio and provide it in usable form to the Assistant Director
contribute to the development and implementation of the Diocese’s safeguarding training regime as the manager’s skills and capacities allow
act for the OoSG in Diocesan forum and may represent the Diocese in external forum when appropriate.
Desired Skills and Experience
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
A capacity to understand, promote and model the mission of the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle and a familiarity with the culture, structures and contemporary ethos of Catholicism in Australia.
Extensive experience successfully leading a team of specialists with an inclusive style that is holistic and exemplifies servant leadership.
Demonstrated ability to successfully manage a dynamic and complex portfolio of personal injury claims to achieve just and equitable resolutions where appropriate.
A comprehensive and contemporary knowledge of statutory and Church safeguarding standards and extensive experience leading in the areas of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Ability to promote awareness and commitment to a safeguarding culture across a diverse and complex Church.
Superior decision-making, problem-solving, communication, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple simultaneous tasks, prioritise conflicting demands and work to hard deadlines, independently and in a high pressure work environment.
A high level of personal responsibility, commitment to professional, ethical and evidence-based practice.
Ability to translate complex information and directions into achievable action plans and task lists (Desirable)
Understanding of contemporary safeguarding standards and practices, particularly in the Catholic Church in Australia (Desirable)
QUALIFICATIONS
Tertiary or post graduate qualifications in social work, social studies, legal studies or law or related area or a minimum of 3 years equivalent experience.
A Working with Children Clearance must be obtained from the Office of the Children’s Guardian prior to commencing the role and must remain current during the entire period in the role. It is the position holder’s responsibility to renew their Clearance prior to expiry.
Current criminal records check
Drivers Licence
Postgraduate qualifications in a related field (Desirable)
Justice of the Peace or notary public (Desirable)
To Apply
Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:
What motivates your desire for this role and how does it correspond with your career objectives?
Your professional qualifications and previous experience in a related position.
For any further information about the role, please contact Lisa Wollschlager: lisa.wollschlager@mn.catholic.org.au
Applications close Friday 24th April 2026 at 11.59pm
Additional Information
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.
All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.
