Child and Family Specialist – 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. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. It operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers, including in remote areas and capital cities. The organization has a workforce of approximately 600 employees and is committed to diversity and inclusion, embracing various backgrounds, talents, and experiences.

Job Overview:
The Child and Family Specialist position is a part-time permanent role (0.8 FTE, Mondays - Thursdays) based in Doveton, Australia. The role is integral to the Play2Learn team, which focuses on supporting families and young children in their transition to early learning. The specialist will work closely with parents, caregivers, and children, facilitating supported playgroups, providing outreach parent coaching, and delivering online education. The position emphasizes a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally sensitive approach to family support and early childhood development. The specialist will be responsible for 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:

• Delivering supported playgroups in the local community to foster socialization and learning among children and families.
• Providing outreach parent coaching and online education to assist parents in their roles.
• Conducting 1:1 outreach services, including in-home visits to provide tailored support and coaching to families.
• Identifying additional assistance and external services required by families and providing appropriate referrals and information.
• Promoting positive and culturally respectful parenting approaches and enhancing child and family wellbeing.
• Ensuring that children are developmentally on track and that families have the skills to parent effectively.
• Engaging with at-risk families and children, primarily those under 4 years old, to facilitate group engagement and support.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in group facilitation and engagement, particularly with at-risk families and children. Candidates 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 in the field.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a degree or diploma in a relevant field such as Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Human Services, or Social Sciences. Alternatively, significant equivalent experience in these areas may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. This educational background is essential to ensure that the specialist has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to support families and children effectively.

Experience:
The role requires candidates to have demonstrated experience in family support, early childhood development, and early intervention. Experience working with at-risk families and children, particularly those under the age of four, is crucial. Candidates should also have a proven track record in delivering in-home family support and interventions, as well as facilitating group engagement and support for families.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with families and colleagues. Additional language skills may be considered advantageous, particularly if they align with the diverse backgrounds of the families served by the organization.

Additional Notes:
This is a part-time permanent position (0.8 FTE) requiring work from Monday to Thursday. The role is based in Doveton, Victoria, Australia. 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 organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. All employees must undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.