Play Helper

About the Role

Play Matters Australia is seeking a part-time Play Helper in Townsville, working 9 hours per fortnight during school terms. This contract will be until June 30th, 2024 with strong potential for extension. 

This is a rewarding opportunity to assist the Facilitator in delivering inclusive and developmentally appropriate play experiences for children and families.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Supporting the creation of a calm, relaxed environment where children with a disability or developmental concerns can engage freely and safely.
• Preparing and delivering developmentally appropriate play experiences to achieve program outcomes.
• Communicating with parents and Facilitator about the specific needs of children within the context of program delivery.
• Role modelling safe children's play
• Assisting children to negotiate the opportunities and challenges of being part of a social group.

Essential Criteria:

• Hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement 
• Experience and/or knowledge supporting children and their families.
• Sensitivity to families from diverse backgrounds.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Consistently presents a warm, welcoming, friendly, approachable, and professional manner to participating families.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience and/or knowledge supporting children and their families that have a child with a disability or developmental delays.
• Experience working with families from varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• An interest in early childhood development.
• Experience providing referrals to other support services.
• Demonstrated ability to assist in group facilitation using a play-based and strengths-based approaches.

What we offer:

• A flexible and fun work environment.
• A collaborative and supportive team.
• An opportunity to make a difference in the lives of everyday Australian families.
• Ongoing training, development, and mentoring opportunities.

About Play Matters Australia

Play Matters Australia (formerly Playgroup Queensland) is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission. In conjunction with government, non-government, and community agencies, Play Matters supports and establishes state and national programs aimed at families with young children. Play Matters also acts as a voice to the government and the wider community on early childhood and parenting.

Operating for almost 50 years, our Company aims to provide children from birth to five years with the best start to their life by providing their parents and caregivers with skills and confidence to support their child through the fundamental act of play. Our Company ethos of recognising parents and caregivers as a child’s first teacher is embedded in all programs. Play Matters has developed and delivers a range of tailored, early intervention programs that are underpinned by evidenced-based methodologies. Our programs are government-funded and operate commercially across Australia.

Play Matters Australia is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

Play Matters Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate.  We commit to working respectfully to honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country. 

Diversity and inclusivity are important to Play Matters Australia and we are committed to ensuring our workplace and services reflect this.  Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and physical ability. 

Play Matters Australia is Committed to Child Safety:

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 working with children and reference checks to ensure that we are recruiting the right people.

Apply today:

To apply for this role, please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the criteria outlined above by the 28th of March 2024. You must be an Australian Resident to apply.

If you have any questions regarding the role please reach out to Rebecca Ufer, Regional Manager via rufer@playmatters.org.au.