Inclusion Professional

Gowrie SA is a progressive organisation that builds on our history and expertise to lead learning and inclusion with children, families and communities. Established in 1940 and formally known as the Lady Gowrie Child Centre Inc. (Adelaide), it was built at the time of the Second World War with a brief to address the issues of poverty, education and poor health outcomes for local, early years aged children. 

Today Gowrie SA, a not-for-profit organisation, continues to lead the development of innovative and responsive services for children and families. Our practices are informed by theory and research, focusing on community, social justice, and reconciliation with First Nations peoples. We are committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

We offer fully funded leadership and professional learning opportunities to support staff in building their knowledge and understanding, which assists professional growth and career development. Gowrie SA strives to be a place where people thrive professionally. We are dedicated to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity. We are committed to supporting our employees to succeed in their employment. 

Gowrie SA is committed to creating a child-safe environment where all children feel valued and safe. We have zero tolerance for child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be aware that we carry out DHS Working with Children Checks and reference checks (as we see fit), as well as careful examination of employment history, to ensure that we are recruiting the right people for our organisation. All employees are aware of Child Safe practices and alert leaders if they have any concerns. 

Testimonial – ‘Gowrie SA and the Inclusion Agency is a supportive workplace and has an encouraging collegial culture’ (Inclusion Professional)

Gowrie SA has Australian Government funding to operate the state-wide Inclusion Agency in South Australia as part of the Inclusion Support Program (ISP). The Gowrie SA Inclusion Agency is looking for a committed new colleague, working full-time, based at our Thebarton site. The Inclusion Professional will work with early education and care services to provide advice and assistance to build service capacity for the inclusion of children and offers support to specific children’s inclusion.

Job Tasks and Responsibilities

As a member of the Gowrie SA Inclusion Agency team you will work directly with services, stakeholders and other Inclusion Professionals to deliver inclusion support that is flexible and responsive to the needs of ELCC services, and educators across South Australian services.

Requirements/Selection Criteria
Qualifications (Essential):

• Diploma of Children's Services or equivalent as a minimum; or
• Qualifications in Early Childhood Teaching, or a related discipline in Allied Health or Disability are also considered

Experience (Desirable):

• Experience in a context working with and promoting the inclusion of children 
• Experience working with or in the early learning sector and participating in reflective dialogue that examines the impact of early childhood practice 
• Experience in a leadership role mentoring Educators

Knowledge

• Knowledge of current inclusion principles and practices
• Knowledge of the National Quality Framework, National Quality Standard and the Learning Frameworks (EYLF & MTOP)
• Knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety principles and practices
• Knowledge of Discrimination Laws
• Maintain a high level of understanding and knowledge of current evidence-based education and care practices, including current and emerging practices
• Consistently demonstrate knowledge, understanding and practice of adult learning principles
• Computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Office and online systems such as Portals, Customer Relationship Management software and video conferencing

Other

The Inclusion Professional will be expected to spend significant amounts of time travelling within the metropolitan area and some rural services, working directly with services and facilitating staff meetings and Interest Hubs using principles of group learning.

The Inclusion Professional will have access to a laptop computer and a mobile phone will be provided for work purposes.

• A current full driver’s license, will be required
• A current DHS Working with Children Check, will be required
• A current Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect (RRHAN) certificate

The job & person specification will need to be addressed in your application and can be obtained by viewing the J&P on the Gowrie SA website. (https://gowriesa.org.au/inclusion-agency/positions-vacant)  

The rights, well-being and learning of children, families and educators are at the heart of our vision for early childhood. Gowrie SA prioritises cultural learning and reconciliation in our community with the belief that children’s voices will shape future generations. As part of Gowrie SA’s Reconciliation Action Plan, we warmly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. Applications from Kaurna people will be highly regarded and prioritised.

What’s in it for you? Gowrie SA offers above-award salaries, a bonus day’s leave (birthday leave) every year, 50/50 work-from-home/office flexibility and all professional learning fully funded by Gowrie SA. 

Applications that do not meet minimum criteria will not be considered. Only successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview.

To apply, please email your cover letter (addressing the job and person specification), resume and 2 current work-related referees, to Amy Arcangeli (HR Advisor) at *******@gowriesa.org.au.