Child And Family Practitioner – Kindergarten Inclusion - North & West

The Sparkways difference

Founded in 1883 as the Try Society, Sparkways has a long and proud history, working to empower children and young people to reach their potential. Our focus areas are Early Childhood Education and Care, Early Years Management and Social Inclusion for young people experiencing vulnerability. In 2024, Sparkways will manage 38 sessional kindergartens and 5 childcare centres across Melbourne, and operates a Mentoring program for young people experiencing vulnerability.

• https://sparkways.org.au/about

Are you ready to make a difference as a Family Support Facilitator?

The Child and Family Practitioner (Family Support Facilitator) works with Educators at the Sparkways Kindergartens and Early Learning centres to identify, engage and support children and families that have multiple and complex needs and are experiencing barriers to participation.

You will coach and assist Teachers and Educators at our services by further developing their toolbox of resources, information and ideas; and build their capabilities to respond to vulnerable children and families and support increased engagement.

• Please read the full position description here: https://sparkways.org.au/uploads/documents/Family-Support-Facilitator-PD-Feb-2024.pdf

We want to meet you

• Do you have a record of achieving success engaging and supporting vulnerable children and families?
• Can you lead, coach and empower educators to increase their capacity to break down barriers?
• Are you creative in using technology, such as Zoom and document sharing platforms, to engage educators and families remotely when necessary and to make the most of your time?
• A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology or a relevent communicty work field is essential
• Ideally you will have at least two years of practice as a social or community worker
• Qualifications and experience working with children and families within the Victorian Early Years Learning & Development Framework would be an advantage

We can offer you

• The opportunity to belong to an organisation with strong values, ethics and commitment to children, youth and the Early Learning workforce
• A supportive workplace, committed colleagues and opportunities for career development and achievements
• SCHCADS Level 5 or Level 6 salary subject to qualifications & experience - $44 to $50 per hour
• Car allowance - $8,000 per annum
• Eligibility for NFP salary packaging
• Full time work
• Option to purchase extra annual leave to be taken during term breaks
• This is initially a maximum term position until the end of 2024, with expectation that the position will become permannent, subject to funding extension in 2025
• Flexible work location and times – work at the kindergartens and child care sites and provide remote support as needed, and work at home with well supported remote work platforms

Any questions?

Email /call Judith in the People & Culture team to answer any questions

• **********@sparkways.org.au, using the subject line: Family Support Facilitator
• 0437 942 ***

How to apply

Apply throught the Seek link

.. or through the Sparkways careers page: https://jobs.swagapp.com/jobs/61033d9c-7b40-4434-bf50-18c1533f0c27

Include your resume and a cover letter responding to these areas:

• Describe how your experience and skills will contribute to the educators, children and families
• Tell us why you are interested in the position

The sucessful application will be able to demonstrate

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology or a relevant Community Services field - bachelor degree level or higher preferrred
• Case work or similar experience working with vulnerable children and families to support engagement with programs and services
• Proven leadership skills to effectively coach and empower groups of people - the focus of this role is in coaching the Teachers and Educators working with the families
• Qualifications and experience in Early Childhood Education and Care would be an added advantage
• Experience working confidently in partnership with families, services and communities to deliver best outcomes for children
• Creative and proficient in using remote communication tools (Microsoft Teams, Zoom etc) with educators, families and associated service providers
• Own car and drivers licence essential

Child safety & inclusiveness

Sparkways Early Learning are committed to child safety. The protection and wellbeing of children and young persons is reflected in our zero tolerance for child abuse. All staff and volunteers have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that young people are safe whilst involved in our care and programs. All children have the right to safety and security and the protection from physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse and neglect.

Sparkways is a child safe and equal employment opportunity employer. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, from people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from people with a disability.