Children & Families Playgroup Facilitator

• Preston location, Wurundjeri Country
• Part Time (0.6) FTE, Fixed term until June 2025
• Base Salary $92K plus super and salary packaging

The Opportunity

The Early Learning is Fun (ELF) Program is both a universal and targeted early intervention program for parent/carers and their children under school age with a focus on children aged birth to three years. The team work collaboratively to provide high-quality parent and child supported playgroups targeting families experiencing vulnerability.

In this role you will work with parents to improve school readiness, increase their confidence as their children’s first teachers by utilising trauma informed theories and approaches. As well, you will provide support, information, advocacy and referral for families in areas such as housing, counselling, early education, legal, finance and health issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Co-facilitate high-quality parent/child supported playgroups targeting families experiencing vulnerability.
• Support parents and caregivers to build connections.
• To assist families to transition to mainstream early education, care and community services as required
• Attend networks and meetings associated with this program.
• Utilise evidence informed approaches to parenting and child development. 

About You

• You have previous experience in groupwork and casework with vulnerable women and children from high risk groups.
• You are commitment to developing and pursuing an approach that seeks to empower and build confidence in parents to offer a safe, healthy and playful family learning environment through the use of groupwork.
• You have the ability to lead others in reflecting and analysing complex family situations through a focus on the early years.   
• You have a good understanding of the universal service system including health, education and care, as well as specialist services for preschool and school aged children.
• You have a good understanding of the indicators of child abuse and neglect and of the secondary and tertiary service system that aims to support the best interests of children and young people.

How to Apply

Applications including resume and cover letter addressing your suitability for the position to be submitted via the “Apply Now” link below. 

Queries to Nicole Ducat – Team Leader, ELF on 0429 087 761.

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.