If you want to help children have a great start to their educational journey, we want to hear from you.

Save the Children is no ordinary not-for-profit.

We're ambitious, creative and outspoken. We stand up for children's rights. We want all children to be educated, healthy and live a life free from violence. We run programs in Australia and overseas and, if there's a disaster - like a bushfire or flood- we are there on the ground to support.

Where you come in:

Save the Children Australia is seeking volunteers to work at our supported playgroup program, Smalltalk, in Strathmerton and Tungamah, Victoria. Smalltalk is an early childhood education program that aims to improve early childhood development, parenting skills and connection to community amongst the families with children aged 0-6 years.

The Volunteer in this role will support the Smalltalk Team in a range of fun day-to-day tasks and gain experience in early childhood education. As a Volunteer, you will support children with age-appropriate developmental play, arts and craft activities, play games, sing songs, and preparing snacks. We'd love to hear from you if you are willing to make a commitment to the program for a minimum of six months, and you have a few hours to spare on:

• Mondays from 10am-12pm - Strathmerton
• Fridays from 10am-12pm - Tungamah

If you are available for either one, or both, of these sessions, please apply.

Does this sound like you?

If you are friendly and enjoy being around children, then this is the opportunity for you! With Save the Children Australia you will not only will you be able to share your skills and knowledge to help others in your community, but you will have an opportunity to develop relationships and learn from the children and families attending our programs.

This position is suited to someone who has an interest in children and supporting them with their learning. You don't need formal qualifications, as Save the Children offers ongoing training opportunities and support to all its successful volunteer applicants.

Skills and knowledge that are preferred but not essential include:

• Experience engaging with children - through work or family
• A desire to understand, as well as learn from children
• Local knowledge of the area
• Good organisational skills and a willingness to clean/sterilise toys/games and equipment
• Ability to multi-task and manage your time effectively
• Good listening and communication skills
• Artistic/crafting skills
• Musical/singing ability
• An empathic and compassionate nature

Volunteer at Save the Children is more than just volunteering.

It's the feeling of knowing that your work is contributing to making the world a better place for children and working with others who feel the same.

Sound interesting?

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

For any enquiries, contact Emma on [email protected] using the subject line: Smalltalk Volunteer - Children and Families enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Position Description - Smalltalk Volunteer

At Save the Children, we seek a workforce and volunteer force that is as diverse as our society - in race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, disability, cultures and beliefs - and reflects the communities we work in. We believe diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our culture and core values and we demonstrate this commitment through all our practices. Our inclusive workplace culture contributes to making Save the Children a great place to work and volunteer. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.

Save the Children Australia is a child-safe organisation. All employees and volunteers are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check where necessary, and sign our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.