Casual Child Development Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation and a proud part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement. 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, including in remote areas and capital cities. The organization emphasizes the importance of the child's voice and aims to create a supportive environment for families and children.

Job Overview:
The position of Casual Child Development Assistant is integral to the Mobile Play2Learn outreach early childhood program, which focuses on supporting families and children to reach their full potential. The role involves assisting in the delivery of quality early childhood education and promoting parent-child interaction. The work environment is designed to provide a good work/life balance, with comfortable hours spread across the week. The assistant will work in a team to create a trusting and respectful environment for families and children, facilitating improved relationships and supporting early childhood development and school readiness skills. The position requires flexibility, as the assistant will work across different sites in the Tara region as part of the mobile service, reporting to the Team Leader.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Casual Child Development Assistant include: assisting in the development and delivery of early learning programs that are age and developmentally appropriate; working collaboratively within a team to ensure the programs meet the needs of children and families; creating a welcoming and safe environment that encourages active participation from families; growing an understanding of early learning among families and sharing knowledge with community members; and actively engaging with children and parents to foster positive relationships. The assistant will also be responsible for maintaining a clean and organized workspace and ensuring that all activities are conducted in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a minimum Certificate III in Children’s Services or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with children aged 0-5 and their families in a group setting. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential, as well as a current valid driver’s license to facilitate travel between different sites in the Tara region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a Certificate III in Children’s Services or an equivalent qualification. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding early childhood development principles and practices, which are essential for effectively supporting children and families in the program.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience working with young children and families, particularly in a group setting. This experience is vital for understanding the dynamics of early childhood education and for effectively engaging with families from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The role requires a proactive approach and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication with families and team members. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in communities with diverse linguistic backgrounds, as they can enhance engagement with families.

Additional Notes:
This position is casual, with potential workdays scheduled from Tuesday to Friday. The role offers a generous award rate salary of Level 2.1 at $45.28 per hour, along with access to full PBI salary packaging benefits. The organization promotes a friendly and flexible work environment and provides opportunities for career progression within one of Australia’s largest non-profits. Employees also benefit from workplace wellness support, including access to a free, confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. 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.