Child and Family Specialist – Play2Learn

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and a global movement. Established to ensure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers. The organization is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families, focusing on their needs and rights, and has a workforce of approximately 600 people, embracing diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures, and beliefs.

Job Overview:
The Child and Family Specialist position is a part-time, maximum term role based in the Greater Shepparton area, designed to support families and young children through the Play2Learn program. This program aims to help children develop social skills, independence, and a capacity to learn. The specialist will work closely with families to facilitate a smooth transition into early learning, delivering group-based programs through supported playgroups, and providing parent coaching. The role emphasizes a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally sensitive approach to family support and early childhood development, ensuring that children are developmentally on track and families are equipped with effective parenting skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Child and Family Specialist include:

• Delivering group-based programs through supported playgroups to engage children and families.
• Providing parent coaching using partnership, outcomes-based, strengths’ perspective, and client-centered approaches.
• Identifying additional assistance and external services required by families, providing appropriate information, support, and referrals.
• Promoting positive and culturally respectful approaches to parenting and child and family wellbeing.
• Ensuring that children are developmentally on track and that families have the skills and tools necessary for effective parenting.
• Collaborating with team members and stakeholders to enhance program delivery and outcomes.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation related to program activities and family engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate skills, knowledge, understanding, and experience in group facilitation and engagement, particularly with at-risk families and children aged 0-5 years. They should have experience delivering family support and interventions, along with knowledge of best practices in effective parenting strategies and behavior management techniques. A degree or diploma qualification in a relevant field such as Psychology, Early Childhood, Social Work, Human Services, or Social Sciences is required, or significant equivalent experience in a related area.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree or diploma in relevant fields such as Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Human Services, or Social Sciences. Candidates with significant equivalent experience in these areas may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding child development, family dynamics, and effective intervention strategies.

Experience:
The position requires demonstrated experience in family support and early childhood development, particularly with at-risk families and children aged 0-5 years. Candidates should have a proven track record of delivering group-based programs and engaging effectively with families to promote positive outcomes. Experience in a similar role within a community service or non-profit organization is highly desirable.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with families and team members. Additional language skills that reflect the diversity of the community served may be considered advantageous, enhancing the ability to connect with families from various cultural backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
This is a part-time, maximum term position with working hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, totaling 7.6 hours per day, through to July 2026, with potential for extension. The role offers a generous award rate salary (Level 4.1 – currently $44.58 per hour) plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees are provided with extra leave options, professional supervision training, and access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization promotes a friendly and flexible work environment, with opportunities for internal deployment and career progression within one of Australia’s largest non-profits. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and must adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.