Britain seeks social workers for sex-scandal Pitcairn

Britain is offering social workers what could be the ultimate challenge at one of the world’s most isolated locations – a job on Pitcairn Island, hit by a massive sex abuse scandal.

The Safe Overseas Services posted job advertisements in New Zealand newspapers today seeking two social workers for the British protectorate in the Pacific Ocean, halfway between New Zealand and Peru.

The three and a half month-postings, funded by the British government, will see successful applicants work in a community of just 47 people, including six men found guilty last year of underage sex crimes and others preparing to stand trial on similar charges.

Former mayor Steve Christian was convicted in October of five rapes and sentenced to three years in prison. His son Randy was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of four rapes and other sex assaults.

The convicted six will not begin their sentences until next month at the earliest, after appeals have been heard based on whether Britain has jurisdiction over the island.

If their convictions are upheld, the men will serve their sentences in a cell block on the island that they helped to build.

The job advert asked for applicants with an understanding of the dynamics of sexual abuse for victims and offenders, but did not specifically refer to the trauma Pitcairn’s tiny community had faced. The posting is from February 22 to June 3.

The island community was split over the trials. A later election for community posts saw supporters of the convicted defendants elected to all key roles.

The trials of another six Pitcairn islanders on a range of sex charges are expected to take place in New Zealand this year.

The job ad hints at the island’s isolation and living conditions.

“As this position involves living and working with one other colleague in a remote situation, applications from suitably qualified applicants with experience of working together are especially welcome,” it notes.

The rocky outcrop was settled more than 200 years ago by mutineers led by Fletcher Christian who led a mutiny from the British warship HMS Bounty.