Child and Family Specialist – Play2Learn

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organization, established as part of the Save the Children Australia Group. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers. The organization emphasizes the importance of the child's voice and aims to make a significant impact in the lives of families and children through various programs and support services.

Job Overview:
The Child and Family Specialist position within the Play2Learn program is a part-time role (0.8 FTE, Monday-Thursday, 7.6 hours per day) with a maximum term through to January 2027, with the potential for extension. The role is centered around working closely with parents, caregivers, and their children to facilitate a smooth transition into early learning. The specialist will be a key member of the Play2Learn team in Brisbane, reporting to the Team Leader. The position involves delivering supported playgroups, providing outreach parent coaching, and conducting online parent education. The specialist will also engage in 1:1 outreach services, including in-home visits, to support families using a strengths-based and client-centered approach. The role requires a proactive and creative mindset, with a focus on trauma-informed practices and culturally sensitive methods to promote child and family wellbeing.

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 developing effective parenting strategies.
• Conducting 1:1 outreach services, including in-home visits, to offer personalized support to families.
• Identifying additional assistance and external services required by families and providing appropriate referrals and information.
• Promoting positive and culturally respectful approaches to parenting and child development.
• Ensuring that children are developmentally on track and that families are equipped with the necessary skills and tools for effective parenting.
• Engaging with at-risk families and children, particularly those under the age of 4, to facilitate their 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, 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 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 a related area may be considered acceptable. This educational background is essential to ensure that the specialist has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively support families and children.

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 4, is crucial. Candidates should also have a proven track record in delivering in-home family support and interventions, showcasing their ability to engage effectively with families in various contexts.

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 position is part-time, with a maximum term through to January 2027 and the possibility of extension. The role is classified at Level 4.1, with a current salary of $44.58 per hour, plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees are entitled to extra leave options to support their wellbeing and performance. The organization provides supportive management, professional supervision training, and access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The work environment is friendly and flexible, with opportunities for internal deployment and career progression within one of Australia’s largest non-profits. The organization strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process.