Child Development Workers – Supported Playgroups – Katherine

Our play-centred program, Play2Learn, has been supporting young children across Australia to develop their social skills, independence and capacity to learn for over 30 years. We need you to give these children an experience of quality early childhood education, to develop their appetite for learning and help enable a smooth transition into school.

54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation – no ordinary not-for-profit.

Proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement, we’re here to make sure that everyone understands their rights. So that children and young people have their rights met and thrive, in all their diversity.

We champion the children, young people and families we work with. We are inspired by the curiosity and creativity of children and motivated by the love of those who care for them.

With the child’s voice at the centre, we provide quality services to children and their caregivers, advocating with them so that children develop, learn, and are connected, safe and confident. Our people are proudly local, reflective of the communities we serve – in every state and territory, and across regions, remote areas and capital cities.

Where you come in

Multiple positions available, Full-Time and Casual – through to end of December 2024 (with strong possibility of extension). You will help coordinate the planning, implementation, and review of culturally appropriate developmental play and learning experiences for children. You’ll also provide support and information to parents on developmental issues and make appropriate referrals to other health, education, and welfare agencies. As part of our Play2Learn team, you’ll report to our Team Leader, working across various locations within the Katherine Township boundaries as required.

These roles will particularly suit Early Childhood educators and / or graduates with early childhood qualifications who are looking to gain further experience in a non-traditional early childhood setting, and grow and develop in their early childhood career – with potential crossover into social work & community engagement down the line.

You will make an impact by:

• Planning and facilitating weekly playgroup sessions
• Finding creative ways to encourage families to engage with our support programs and services
• Identifying and addressing physical, social/emotional, and educational needs
• Providing information and referrals to families to access other relevant programs or welfare agencies
• Supporting with process monitoring, data collection, and reporting

Does this sound like you?

You have experience in early childhood programs and the ability to think on your feet, which allows you to find solutions to complex situations. Your infectious enthusiasm for your job will see you actively seeking out families in need of support. Your cultural knowledge will help you build strong connections with children and families from varying cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

This role requires:

• Qualification in Early Childhood Education (a minimum of a Certificate III is strongly preferred)
• Experience working with children 0-6yrs and families in a group setting
• Prior experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or CALD communities
• Knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework
• Competency in the use of Microsoft Office programs and ability to use databases

Working at 54 reasons is more than just a job

54 reasons is proudly part of Save the Children Australia. We are a learning organisation that invests in the development and wellbeing of our people. Our workforce is 600+ people strong, and proudly diverse, whether in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures and beliefs.

We are creative, connected and accountable, bringing energy, guts and ideas to all we do to champion children in Australia and partner with families, communities and partners to bring about change. Our people work from both home and office, with important moments held in-person to foster belonging and support professional development.

Other benefits include:

• Award rate salary (Level 3.1 – FT at $36 per hour, Casual at $45 per hour) plus super
• Full salary packaging benefits – use this link to see how much this benefit could mean to you! (Full-Time role only)
• 3 days of gifted festive leave between Christmas and New Year, in addition to regular leave benefits (Full-Time role only)
• Health and wellbeing support, including EAP and professional supervision
• Opportunity to work on additional projects alongside business as usual
• Individual learning plans to assist in your career development
• Internal employment and development opportunities

For more information regarding the employee benefits of the Save the Children Australia group, please follow this link.

Sound interesting?

We’d love to hear from you. Submit your cover letter and resume by clicking on the “Apply Now” button.

Position Description – Child Development Worker Play2Learn Katherine

For any queries about this position, please contact Lauren Randall, Early Childhood Team Leader Katherine NT on [email protected] using the subject line: Child Development Workers – Supported Playgroups – Katherine enquiry via EthicalJobs. For more information about the team and the program that the role works in, see our Program Profile.

We have tested our application process with diverse groups in mind, with the intent to ensure it’s straightforward and accessible for all to apply. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our culture and improve our ability to reach our most vulnerable client groups. But we also know there is no one-size fits-all when it comes to recruitment – so if we didn’t quite hit the mark for you, please let us know! We’re dedicated to ensuring 54 reasons is a workplace suitable for all people and can modify our processes to suit you – no matter your race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, neurodiversity, culture and beliefs.

54 reasons is a child-safe organisation. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check where necessary, and sign our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. We also support the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. You can read about the Scheme and our commitment to Safeguarding here.