The Opportunity

The Early Learning is Fun (ELF) Program is both a universal and targeted early intervention program for parent/carers and children under school age with an identified need. The child and family playgroup facilitator is responsible for co-facilitating high quality supported playgroups that seek to empower and build confidence in parents. You will work with parent/carers to increase their confidence as their children’s first teachers, by utilising trauma informed theories and approaches.

In this role you will work within a small team to deliver three supported playgroups across week in the City of Whittlesea. These playgroups offer a safe, healthy and playful family learning environment through the use of groupwork. In collaboration with carers, you will work to strengthen parenting skills, widen social networks and increase connections to their community and improve school readiness for children.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Co-facilitate high-quality parent/child supported playgroups targeting families experiencing vulnerability.
• Support parents and caregivers to build connections.
• To assist families to transition to mainstream early education, care and community services as required
• Attend networks and meetings associated with this program.
• Utilise evidence informed approaches to parenting and child development. 

About You

• A Bachelor level qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Welfare, Early Childhood Education or associated human service field are deemed essential.
• Previous experience in groupwork and casework with vulnerable families and children from high-risk groups.
• Excellent understanding of the universal service system including health, education and care, child and family welfare as well as specialist services for preschool and school aged children and their families.
• Demonstrated ability to flexibly manage competing priorities and stressful situations, monitoring own stress levels and practising and promoting self-care strategies.

How to Apply

Applications including resume and cover letter addressing your suitability for the position to be submitted ASAP. Please note we will be assessing applications as we are receiving them and interviewing prior to the close date.

Queries to Nicole Ducat - Team Leader, ELF on 0429 087 761.

A position description is attached.

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.

Job no: 94H3C