Safeguarding Compliance Manager

Job Description

The Office of Safe Environment at the Pastoral Center is seeking a qualified Safeguarding Compliance Manager.

The Safeguarding Compliance Manager (SCM) is responsible for ensuring full compliance of all administrative and other requirements for the office as outlined by the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The SCM manages the VIRTUS program including training and volunteer background screenings to ensure full compliance with the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The SCM ensures departmental processes and procedures are carried out in accordance with documented policy and all applicable laws for employees and volunteers. In this role, they will work closely with the Director of Safe Environment and the Safe Environment Coordinators to process background checks and renewals and ensure full compliance with volunteers and employees. This role also provides secondary administrative support as needed, including record-keeping, file maintenance and HRIS entry. This individual is the primary point of contact for phone calls and emails into the VIRTUS mailbox and will triage as necessary.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

The SCM supports the Offices of Safe Environment and Human Resources and is responsible for ensuring full compliance of all safe environment requirements, to include:

1. Oversight of All Diocesan Background Screenings

Administers and oversees all diocesan background screening processes for clergy, employees, and volunteers, including:
Criminal background screenings
Child protection screenings
Fingerprint screenings
Financial/credit screenings (as required by role)
Motor vehicle/driving record screenings
International, Visiting and Religious Order clergy screenings
Ensures compliance with diocesan policy, Charter requirements, and civil law.
Oversees both new screenings and renewals.
Administer the Office of Background Investigation Portal
Implements and maintains a standardized annual diocesan background screening cycle.
Establishes uniform documentation, tracking, and renewal notification processes.
Serves as the escalation point for adverse results and complex screening matters.

Partners with the Director of Safe Environment and CHRO regarding employment-related screening determinations and risk mitigation.

2. UKG & System Administration

Oversees accurate and timely entry of background screening data into UKG (HRIS) and VIRTUS systems
Ensures ongoing system updates and data integrity.
Develops standardized workflows to ensure:
Timely processing
Renewal alerts
Expiration tracking
Role-based screening requirements
Conducts monthly compliance audits of:
New hire screenings
Renewal screenings
Financial and driving record screenings
System accuracy and data completeness
Prepares monthly compliance reports for the Director of Safe Environment and CHRO

3. Training, Resource Development & Communications

Develops, builds, and maintains standardized Safe Environment training resources for parishes, schools, and diocesan entities.
Creates procedural guides, toolkits, checklists, and reference materials for Safe Environment Coordinators and local administrators.
Provides regular training (virtual and in-person) to:
Safe Environment Coordinators
Pastors and Principals
Business Managers
Local administrators responsible for compliance
VIRTUS Facilitators
Onboards and trains new Safe Environment Coordinators.
Updates and maintains Safe Environment content on the diocesan extranet and intranet, ensuring policies, procedures, and forms are current and accessible.
Develops communications and compliance reminders to support the standardized annual background screening cycle.
Administer the Empowering God's Children Program for diocesan parishes and schools
Ensures alignment between published guidance and operational practice.

4. Compliance Management & Audit Readiness

Develops and maintains written background screening and compliance procedures.
Conducts site reviews and internal compliance audits.
Identifies compliance gaps and implements corrective action plans.
Assists with preparation for the annual USCCB Charter Audit.
Ensures integration of training, acknowledgements, and screening requirements.

5. Supervision & Operational Leadership

Supervises Safe Environment Coordinators.
Conducts regular team meetings and performance reviews.
Provides training and technical guidance on screening systems and policies.
Ensures day-to-day operational efficiency and compliance.
Serves as primary escalation point for site-based coordinators.

6. Acting Director Responsibilities

Acts on behalf of the Director of Safe Environment in their absence.
Ensures continuity of operations, decision-making, and compliance oversight.
Represents the Office of Safe Environment in meetings as delegated.
Coordinates urgent matters requiring executive attention.

7. Victim Assistance Coordinator Responsibilities (*if employee has appropriate background and training; the role may include these responsibilities)

The SCM may also serve as the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) and:

Receives and responds compassionately to reports of abuse involving minors or vulnerable adults
Follows diocesan and civil reporting requirements.
Advises individuals of their right to report to civil authorities and supports them in doing so.
Coordinates appropriate outreach and resources for victim survivors and families.
Maintains confidential case files and accurate documentation.
Collaborates with diocesan leadership, civil authorities, Review Board, and legal counsel as appropriate.
Coordinates referrals for counseling and assists with processes related to treatment plans and payments.
Participates in Review Board preparation, provides case updates as required and records meeting minutes.
Ensures mandatory reporting compliance and provides periodic training for mandatory reporters.

This work requires pastoral sensitivity, discretion, and strict confidentiality.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Counseling, Social Work, Compliance, Business Administration, Education, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in compliance, HR operations, background screening administration, training development, or victim assistance.
Supervisory experience required.
Experience developing training materials and delivering structured training programs preferred.
Experience with HRIS systems required; UKG strongly preferred.
Strong analytical, organizational, and audit skills.
Excellent communication skills with demonstrated pastoral sensitivity.
Ability to manage highly confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
Practicing Catholic in good standing preferred/required consistent with diocesan expectations.

Working Conditions:

The position is full-time (35 hours per week). Normal working hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30a.m. - 4:30 pm. Occasional night and weekend work and travel within the diocese is to be expected.

Interested candidates should apply at https://bit.ly/41pYegI

About the Employer

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has approximately 2800 Lay Employees working throughout the Diocese in almost every function, and we have many opportunities employment. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and hold a strong commitment to work/life balance as well as a focus on providing professional opportunities for ongoing success. We are a wonderful organization to consider working for - and we welcome all to apply. It is the policy of the Diocese of Richmond, not to discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin or handicap.