The Director of Safe Environment is responsible for implementing, overseeing, and maintaining programs and policies in accordance with the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. This office represents the Bishop of Jefferson City in efforts to create a compassionate and healing place for victims of clergy sexual abuse and to ensure a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults in the Diocese of Jefferson City.
Duties and Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Leadership & Administration
- Develops and oversees the implementation of diocesan policies related to the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
- Trains local Safe Environment Coordinators at parishes, schools and other diocesan entities in current policies and requirements
- Conducts live trainings in Virtus when needed in parishes
- Attends all meetings of the Diocesan Review Board as an ex-officio member, prepares and presents reports and updates at each meeting
- Collects and provides all necessary documentation for annual USCCB audit and acts as diocesan point of contact for auditors
- Collects data and submits required information for annual Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate Annual Survey of Allegations (CARA)
- Attends the National Child and Youth Protection Catholic Leadership Conference, hosts and plans with other Missouri dioceses in rotation of local meeting
- Prepares and oversees annual budget for the office
- Communicates with other Ministry/Department leaders about changes in policy and other concerns related to the protection of children
- Responds to requests to speak as appropriate
- Supports the mission and values of the Diocese and embraces the philosophies and teachings of the Catholic Church
- Be a role model for integrity, responsibility, transparency, ethical behavior and managerial excellence that supports the mission of the Diocese
- Performs other related duties as assigned by the Bishop
- Ensures the proper documentation and maintains files for victims of abuse
- Requests payment for services to victims
Safe Environment
- Oversees background screening of adults whose duties include contact with minors
- Conducts on site parish audits for Safe Environment Compliance
- In collaboration with Human Resources and on-site Safe Environment Coordinators, works to ensure all newly hired personnel fulfill safe environment requirements
- Participates in internal investigation process relating to child abuse allegations involving church personnel
- Selects and provides online and in-person educational training programs, presentations and resource materials to diocesan entities
- Oversees training program for children in sexual abuse prevention
- Maintains relationships with site Safe Environment Coordinators across the diocese to monitor, oversee, and ensure compliance to diocesan policies
- Keeps abreast of best practices and trends in Safe Environment programming and practices
- Works with pastors to be informed of the importance of Safe Environment programs
- Keeps the Bishop informed of department activities
- Collaborates with Chancery staff and diocesan personnel to maintain the integrity of the Safe Environment database
Qualifications
Education and Experience Preferred
- Degree in Counseling, Education, Human Resources, Social Work or another related field
- Degree in Canon Law is highly desirable
- Minimum 5 years’ experience with victims of sexual abuse and/or knowledge of trauma informed care
- Knowledge of and experience with the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
- Preferred work experience working in the Catholic institution; and
- Preferred understanding of civil and canon law related to child sexual abuse
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- A commitment to and understanding of the mission and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church
- Appreciation of confidentiality
- Experience with program evaluation
- Computer skills
- Ability to travel within the geographic region of the Diocese of Jefferson City, within the state of Missouri and nationally for meetings
- Communication skills including listening, engaging, and building rapport with people
- Both process and results oriented
- Strong writer and editor
- Comfortable working independently and as a member of a team
Essential Physical Functions
- Sitting/standing at a desk for an extended period of time, squatting, and/or using a step ladder
- Using a mouse and keyboard for an extended period of time
- Requires ability to sit/stand up to 7 hours per day with intermittent occasional walking and bending
- Rarely may be required to lift up to 20 pounds to a height of 4 to 5 feet or carry 20 pounds up to 20 feet
Employee Classification
