Our play-centred program, Play2Learn, supports young vulnerable children across Australia to develop their social skills, independence and in turn their capacity to learn. We need you to give these children an experience of quality early childhood education in Bowen, to develop their appetite for learning and help enable a smooth transition into school.

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

A place where your purpose matters. 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, advocating with them so that children develop, learn, and are connected, safe and confident. Our people are proudly local, reflective of the communities we serve - in every state and territory, and across regions, remote areas and capital cities.

It takes all types of personalities and talents to drive our organisation- yours included. We value a healthy work-life balance and ensure our people feel connected to each other and our impact. Learn from inspiring people and grow from a connection to our strong local and global networks. 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 (24 hours per week, Monday - Thursday, until 30 June 2026) you'll coordinate the planning, implementation and review of culturally appropriate developmental play and learning experiences for children. Based in Bowen, you'll be part of our North Queensland team and report to our Team Leader.

You will make a difference by:

• Planning and facilitating weekly playgroup sessions
• Finding creative ways to encourage vulnerable and avoidant families to engage with our programs
• Identifying and addressing physical, social/emotional and educational needs
• Providing information and referrals to families to access other relevant services
• Monitoring processes, and carrying out data collection and reporting

A place to feel valued

You have experience in early childhood programs, and the ability to think on your feet, which allows you to find solutions to complex situations. Your infectious enthusiasm for your job will see you actively seeking out families in need of support, and your cultural knowledge will help you build strong connections with children and families from varying cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Bringing your best every day, means: 

• Knowledge/experience in working with culturally diverse communities
• Well-developed time management and organisational skills
• Exceptional teamwork and communication skills
• Strong computer and data collection skills
• Minimum Certificate III in Children's Services (or equivalent qualification) is preferred
• Current valid driver's licence

A place to belong

54 reasons is proudly part of Save the Children Australia. We are a learning organisation that invests in the development and wellbeing of our people. Our workforce is approximately 1100 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 (Level 3.1 - currently $37.35 per hour) plus 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
• Friendly and flexible work environment
• Internal deployment and secondment opportunities, and opportunities to progress within one of Australia's largest non-profits

Follow this link for the full list of our employee benefits. 

Does this sound like the place for you?

We'd love to hear from you. Submit your cover letter and resume by clicking the "Apply Now" button.

Position Description: Child Development Worker - QLD Play2Learn

For more information about the program that the role works in, see our Program Profile. For any queries, contact Adam Gooding, Team Leader, on email 0422 233 501 or [email protected] using the subject line: Child Development Worker - Play2Learn - Bowen enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Or for more information about a career at Save, visit our Careers Page.

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. You can read about the Scheme and our commitment to Safeguarding here.

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.