Student Protection Specialist

Job No: TCE4530
Location: Townsville Catholic Education Office, Kirwan

Job No: TCE4494

Commencement Date: 12 January 2026

Salary Range: $137,486 - $154,740 per annum + Superannuation (pending experience)

We’re seeking an experienced and highly skilled Student Protection Specialist to support the delivery of Townsville Catholic Education’s (TCE) student protection services.  In this critical role, you’ll provide timely, expert advice to principals and school staff, helping them make informed decisions that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students.

You’ll guide and support schools through initial and ongoing risk assessments, offer confidential consultation during complex and sensitive matters, and ensure statutory reporting requirements are met. You’ll also play a key role in capability building  by designing and delivering training, strengthening safeguarding practices across schools, and supporting staff to confidently recognise, respond to and manage student protection concerns.

This role provides professional oversight in high-risk and high-impact situations, including investigations, case management, liaison with statutory authorities and collaboration with internal and external specialists. With sound judgement, advanced communication skills and a calm, compassionate approach, you’ll navigate sensitive information, critical incidents and legislative requirements with accuracy, discretion and integrity.

To be successful, you’ll bring tertiary qualifications in social work, behavioural sciences or a closely related discipline, alongside substantial experience in child protection and a deep understanding of the relevant legislation and compliance requirements. Highly organised, resilient and adaptable, you’ll build strong relationships across TCE and external agencies and contribute to the development of safe, supportive and compliant learning environments across the Diocese.

Townsville Catholic Education has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct working with children checks and background referencing for all staff. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has a zero tolerance to abuse of children or adults-at-risk.

For more information, please review the full position description.

We’d love to hear from you! Please click the “Apply” button and follow the prompts.

Applications close midnight Monday 22nd December.

About us

Townsville Catholic Education provides a supportive, flexible working environment where care for the individual is an important part of our ethos.  We employ motivated people who want to work together to produce excellent outcomes for our students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission.

We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re proud to offer a range of benefits designed to support you both professionally and personally:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Annual Leave at 17.5% leave loading
  • 12.75% Superannuation employer contribution
  • Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service
  • Salary packaging options 
  • Up to 14 Weeks paid parental leave
  • Deferred Salary Scheme
  • …and a range of other great benefits!
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