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 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 in various settings, including remote areas and capital cities. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons emphasizes diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures, and beliefs, recognizing that it takes a variety of people to effectively address the challenges faced by children and families.

Job Overview:
The Child and Family Specialist position within the Play2Learn program is designed to support families and young children in their transition into early learning. This role involves working closely with parents, caregivers, and children, utilizing a play-centered approach to facilitate learning and socialization. The position is part-time, requiring 30.4 hours of work per week over four days, and includes responsibilities such as providing outreach services, facilitating playgroups, and offering parenting education. The specialist will be a key member of the Play2Learn team in the Sydney Metro area, reporting directly to the Team Leader. The role is crucial in ensuring that children are developmentally on track and that families are equipped with the necessary skills and tools for effective parenting.

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

• Supporting playgroups through a mobile van at various local sites, as well as providing online parenting education.
• Delivering one-on-one outreach services, including parent coaching through in-home visits.
• Identifying the need for additional assistance and external services, and 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 possess the skills and tools necessary for effective parenting.
• Engaging with at-risk families and children, primarily those under four years of age, to facilitate group engagement and support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Child and Family Specialist role must demonstrate skills, knowledge, and experience in group facilitation and engagement, particularly with at-risk families and children. They should have experience in delivering in-home family support and interventions, as well as 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 may be considered. A valid driver's license is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree or diploma in a relevant field 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 crucial for understanding child development, family dynamics, and effective intervention strategies.

Experience:
The position requires demonstrated experience in family support, early childhood development, and early intervention. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with at-risk families and children, particularly those under the age of four. Experience in delivering in-home support and facilitating group activities is essential, as is familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches to family engagement.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for effective communication with families and colleagues. Additional language skills may be considered advantageous, particularly in communities with diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time and permanent, with a total of 30.4 hours per week spread over four days. The roles are located in the Bankstown area and Inner Sydney/Ryde. The organization 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 work environment is described as friendly and flexible, with opportunities for internal deployment and career progression within one of Australia’s largest non-profits. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates, and ensuring a straightforward and accessible application process for all.