Supported Playgroup Facilitator

About Us :

Ararat Rural City Council is located 2 hours northwest of Melbourne and is a growing regional centre, a trend which is predicted to continue as more people pursue a tree-change lifestyle with all essential services at their fingertips.

We recognise that our employees are the key to making a difference and delivering our vision for a vibrant and sustainable community. Council is committed to serving our community in a friendly and professional way and offers fantastic employee conditions including a 9-day fortnight, flexible working options, a health and wellbeing program, professional development opportunities, and much more.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion, allowing our staff to thrive and grow.

About You :

Qualifications & Experience

• The guidelines require that all Supported Playgroup Facilitators hold an appropriate qualification at a minimum of a Diploma level for the role in one of the following areas.
• Early Childhood/ Education
• Social Work or Community Services or
• Health.
• Experience working with vulnerable families including outreach case management.
• Ability to develop and implement strategies to support regular attendance at Supported Playgroups.
• Experience with implementing the Smalltalk program would be desirable.
• A demonstrated knowledge and/or understanding of the causes of economic and sociocultural disadvantage and its impact on families and children.
• A demonstrated knowledge and/or understanding of the model and support developmentally appropriate for play experiences, and parent/child interactions at Supported Playgroups and during in-home support sessions.
• Sound skills and knowledge of computer software including database management and programs within the Microsoft Office suite.
• A current Victorian Drivers Licence and Working with Children’s check is essential.

Position Summary :

Supported playgroup provides opportunities for families to strengthen parenting skills and build confidence to enhance their children’s learning and development.

The responsibilities of this role include running Supported Playgroups (incorporating the Smalltalk program) and providing in-home support.

Supported Playgroup Facilitators are required to have completed, or be working towards completing, tertiary qualifications in early education and care services, social work or equivalent at Diploma level or above.

Key Requirements :

Accountability & Extent of Authority

• Collect and provide data to the Early Years and Positive Ageing Co-ordinator.
• Maintain all required paperwork including enrolment and attendance records.
• Maintain a high level of professional ethics at all times.
• Report hazards and incidents in a timely manner.

Judgement & Decision Making

• Make recommendations in relation to venue, equipment requirements and program improvements.
• Report concerns and/or support needs as required and appropriate in a timely manner and
• Guidance and advice are always available within time to make a choice.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with various community agencies.
• Sound knowledge and skills in group work and facilitation.
• Ability to develop and implement problem solving strategies to support regular attendance at Supported Playgroups.

Management Skills

• Ability to undertake a variety of tasks concurrently with minimal supervision and make decisions as appropriate given all information and within the authority of the position.
• Ability to self-manage time, set priorities, plan, and organise workloads.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate an innovative approach to program development and
• Able to use own initiative, exercise appropriate judgement, and maintain high levels of personal motivation.

Interpersonal Skills

• The proven ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people in order to gain the best outcomes for families is essential.
• The ability to support and promote a team environment with other employees.
• The ability to take clear and specific messages, refer communications to the respective departments, ensuring follow-up as required.
• Demonstrate a non- judgemental and inclusive approach with families and other service providers.
• The ability to identify, discuss and resolve problems within a group and individual setting.
• Well-developed oral and non-verbal communication skills and
• Ability to demonstrate integrity, responsibility, respect and innovation in all aspects of the position.

Job Responsibility :

Reports to: Maternal & Child Health Coordinator

Supervises/Manages:

Key Responsibilities

• Effectively engage and support families who meet the eligibility criteria and encourage participation in Supported Playgroup experiences (incorporating the Smalltalk program).
• Effectively engage families and provide in-home support to those meeting additional criteria.
• Develop and facilitate developmentally appropriate play experiences that meet the physical and cultural needs of children whilst ensuring operation in accordance with relevant guidelines and safety requirements.
• Have flexibility, self-motivation and a lateral approach to problem solving and addressing challenging issues.
• Liaise with parent’s case workers and other professionals as required.
• Provide regular reports and statistics as required.
• Promote a positive image of Council.
• Act in accordance with Council’s policies and procedures.
• Any other duties as deemed reasonable and appropriate to the role as directed from time to time.
• Attend meetings, both internal and external, as required.
• Undertake transition planning with families, linking them to other relevant services and
• Participate in professional development, taking a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Council’s Risk Management Policy, Risk Management Framework, and OH&S Policy.
• To comply with all other policies and procedures of Council.
• Any other duties as required within the scope of the position.

Job Functions :

Local

Job Benefits :

• Innovative and supportive team.
• Work/life balance.
• Rewarding opportunity to make a difference.

Selling Point :

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Contact :

Paula Davidson