Child Development Assistant

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. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. With a mission to provide quality services to children and their caregivers, 54 reasons operates in every state and territory across Australia, including remote areas and capital cities. The organization employs approximately 600 people and values diversity in its workforce, embracing various backgrounds, talents, and perspectives to effectively serve vulnerable children and families.

Job Overview:
The Child Development Assistant position is a part-time, maximum term role based in Townsville, requiring 20 hours of work per week from Monday to Thursday until 30 June 202

• The primary focus of this role is to support early childhood development and enhance school readiness skills for young children. The assistant will work as part of a mobile service team, facilitating improved relationships between parents and children. The role emphasizes creating a safe and welcoming environment that encourages active participation from families and children. The assistant will also be responsible for assisting in the development and delivery of age-appropriate early learning programs, fostering an understanding of early learning among families, and sharing knowledge with community members. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children and their families.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Child Development Assistant will have a variety of duties and responsibilities, including: assisting with the development and delivery of early learning programs tailored to the needs of children aged 0-5; working collaboratively within a team to ensure that programs are age and developmentally appropriate; creating a welcoming and safe environment that encourages active participation from families and children; building strong connections with families from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; facilitating group programs and activities that promote early childhood development; maintaining strong organizational and time management skills to effectively manage multiple tasks; and reporting to the Team Leader while actively participating in team meetings and training sessions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Child Development Assistant position should possess a Certificate II in Children’s Services or an equivalent qualification, although this is preferred rather than mandatory. Additionally, experience working with children aged 0-5 and their families in a group setting is essential. Strong organizational and time management skills are required, along with experience in facilitating group programs, which is considered desirable. A current valid driver’s license is also necessary for this role, as the assistant will be required to travel between different sites as part of the mobile service.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Certificate II in Children’s Services or an equivalent qualification. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding child development principles and effectively implementing early learning programs that cater to the needs of young children and their families.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience working with children aged 0-5 and their families, particularly in a group setting. This experience is vital for understanding the dynamics of early childhood development and for effectively engaging with both children and their caregivers. Experience in facilitating group programs is also desirable, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to lead activities and support children's learning in a collaborative environment.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for effective communication with families and team members. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in communities with diverse linguistic backgrounds, as they can enhance the assistant's ability to connect with families from various cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time, with a maximum term contract lasting until 30 June 2026, requiring 20 hours of work per week. The role is designed to support early childhood development and school readiness skills, and it emphasizes the importance of building relationships with families. The organization offers a generous award rate salary, currently set at $33.41 per hour, along with full salary packaging benefits. Employees also receive extra leave, 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 application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, reflecting the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion.