54 reasons' Early Years teams go out into the community in Gawler and surrounds to support families and children to reach their full potential. As part of the Play2Learn and Bringing up Great Kids programs, you'll promote positive approaches to parenting and family wellbeing, and make a true difference in children's lives.

54 reasons is Australia's leading child rights organisation - no ordinary not-for-profit.

Proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement, we're here to make sure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive, in all their diversity.

With the child's voice at the centre, we provide quality services to children and their caregivers in every state and territory, and across regions, remote areas and capital cities. From our programs to our support services - this is the place to realise your purpose.

A place to make a difference: 

In this part time, maximum term position (22.8 hours per week over 3 days*, through to 30th June 2026) you'll be part of our Gawler Parenting Support Team. You'll deliver Play2Learn playgroups and the Bringing up Great Kids parenting program, to promote positive approaches to parenting and family wellbeing. You'll be part of a small supportive team, and report to our Team Leader.

* NB - The days are flexible according to your preference, though during school terms we do need you to be available on Tuesdays and Fridays.

You will make a difference by:

• Planning and facilitating sessions that develop around your observation of the interests of participating children
• Engaging with the local community and finding creative ways to encourage families to participate
• Providing information and referrals to families to access other relevant programs or family support services, and working in partnership with other agencies
• Empowering parents and caregivers to support their child's development and learning
• Collecting and recording data and information for the purpose of accountability, evaluation, and reporting

A place to feel valued:

Your motivation to see children have positive education experiences and reach their full potential helps you to work holistically to deliver evidence-based interventions. At all times, you work from a strengths-based, trauma-informed, client centred and solution focused approach. Your infectious enthusiasm for your job will see you actively seeking out families with young children in need of support.
This role requires:

• Knowledge of child and family issues and a proven understanding of child development stages and influences
• Experience in group processes and facilitation, especially with families experiencing vulnerability
• Experience working with families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), Indigenous or low socio-economic backgrounds, young parents, and socially or geographically isolated families
• Qualification in Children's Services, Early Childhood or Community Services (Diploma as minimum), or significant equivalent experience
• Current valid driver's licence

A place to belong:

At 54 reasons, we invest in the development and wellbeing of our people. Our workforce is approximately 600 people strong, and proudly diverse, whether in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures and beliefs.

It takes all types of people to do the challenging work we do. We are diverse personalities, backgrounds and talents, embracing our differences as one strong and united team. We see and celebrate the unique value you bring to our organisation, and offer a range of rewards for your effort, including:  

• Generous award rate salary (SCHADS Level 4.1, currently $43.08 per hour and due to increase in July) plus super and full salary packaging benefits - use this link to see how much this benefit could mean to you!
• Extra leave to use in a range of ways to ensure you're able to perform at your optimum
• Supportive Managers - we provide professional supervision training and monthly supervision sessions so you can feel supported and build a career
• Support for workplace wellness, including access to our free, confidential Employee Wellbeing Program
• Internal deployment and secondment opportunities, and opportunities to progress within one of Australia's largest non-profits

For more information regarding the employee benefits of the Save the Children Australia group, please follow this link.

Does this sound like the place for you? 

We'd love to hear from you. Submit your cover letter and resume by clicking on one of the buttons in the 'Apply' section.

Position Description: Child Development Specialist Gawler

For more information about the team and the program that the role works in, see our Program Profile. For any queries about this position, please contact Carole Carmichael on [email protected] using the subject line: Child Development Specialist - Child and Parenting Support enquiry via EthicalJobs. Or for more information about a career at Save, visit our Careers Page.

Applications close: Please note applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they come in, so don't delay in applying!

We have tested our application process with diverse groups in mind, with the intent to ensure its straightforward and accessible for all to apply. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our culture and improve our ability to reach our most vulnerable client groups. But we also know there is no one-size fits-all when it comes to recruitment - so if we didn't quite hit the mark for you, please let us know at [email protected]. We're dedicated to ensuring Save the Children Australia is a place where everyone can feel supported - no matter your race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, neurodiversity, culture and beliefs.

Save the Children Australia is a child-safe organisation. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check, and sign our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. We also support the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

Save the Children is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for its employees and client groups, consistent with our obligations under OH&S legislation.

If you are having any issues with uploading your application for this role, please contact [email protected] for further support.