Senior Practitioner – Play2Learn

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, part of the Save the Children Australia Group and a global movement dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. The organization operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons is committed to diversity and inclusion, recognizing the unique value each individual brings to the organization.

Job Overview:
The Senior Practitioner for the Play2Learn program will play a crucial role in supporting families and young children as they transition into early learning. This permanent full-time position involves working closely with parents, caregivers, and children in both New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC). The successful candidate will be responsible for leading high-quality program planning and implementation, ensuring effective service delivery, and coaching and developing team members to enhance their capabilities. The role requires flexibility to travel between locations and a strong commitment to building relationships with operational stakeholders to ensure the program's success. The candidate will also oversee staff caseloads, program logistics, monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and child safeguarding, making it essential for the individual to possess a deep understanding of working with children and families.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Practitioner include leading the planning and implementation of the Play2Learn program, ensuring that services are delivered effectively and meet the needs of children and families. The role involves coaching, training, and developing team members to build their capabilities and support strong practices. The Senior Practitioner will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key operational stakeholders, overseeing staff caseloads, and managing program logistics. Additionally, the role includes monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness, managing risks, and ensuring child safeguarding practices are adhered to. The candidate will also be expected to anticipate challenges, problem-solve, and make sound decisions while managing competing priorities and maintaining strong organizational and time-management skills.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess relevant qualifications in Social Work, Community Development, or a related field, or have significant equivalent experience. The role requires highly developed interpersonal skills, the ability to lead and coach others, and a strong understanding of trauma-informed practices. Candidates should have experience working with children and families, as well as knowledge of child protection concerns and processes. Excellent communication skills, including report writing and documentation, are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships with program stakeholders and community members.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in Social Work, Community Development, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with significant equivalent experience in a related area may also be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding child rights, program management, and community engagement.

Experience:
The position requires a demonstrated capability in managing programs and supervising staff, with a strong background in working with children and families. Candidates should have experience in program monitoring and evaluation to support continuous quality improvement, as well as a proven ability to anticipate challenges and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the role. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in communities with diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
This is a permanent full-time position, requiring 38 hours of work per week. The role involves regular travel across NSW and VIC, and candidates should be prepared for this flexibility. The organization offers a generous salary package, including superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees are also entitled to extra leave, professional supervision training, and access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates, and ensuring a supportive environment for all employees.