Assistant Junior Group Leader (Part-Time)

Position Purpose

The Assistant Junior Group Leader supports the delivery of a safe, inclusive, engaging and high-quality Outside School Hours Care program for children attending Before School Care, After School Care and Vacation Care.

Working collaboratively with the leadership team, educators, children and families, the Assistant Junior Group Leader assists in implementing the approved learning framework, My Time, Our Place V2.0, while promoting children's learning, development and wellbeing. The safety, wellbeing and best interests of every child are the paramount consideration in all decisions, actions and interactions.

The Assistant Junior Group Leader supports the Junior Group Leader in the day-to-day operation of the program and provides guidance to educators while developing leadership skills in preparation for future leadership opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Child Safety and Wellbeing

2. Educational Program

3. Leadership Support

4. Behaviour Guidance

5. Family and Community Partnerships

6. Health, Safety and Compliance

7. Teamwork and Professional Practice

8. Programming and Documentation

9. Resource and Environment Management

10. Compliance and Administration

11. Staffing and Professional Practice

 Delegated Responsibilities

When authorised by the Director, Assistant Director or Junior Group Leader, the Assistant Junior Group Leader may:

• Coordinate daily routines and transitions.

• Allocate educator responsibilities to support effective supervision and program delivery.

• Lead daily briefings, group meetings and reflective discussions.

• Assist with program planning, reviews and reflective practice.

• Support the management of behaviour guidance and conflict resolution.

• Mentor new, junior and casual educators.

• Monitor program quality and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Escalate child safety, compliance and operational concerns to the leadership team.

• Act as the Responsible Person where legislatively permitted, appropriately nominated and meeting all regulatory requirements.

• Be available to undertake Responsible Person duties on rostered shifts, including assuming responsibility for the operation of the service in the absence of the Director or Assistant Director.

• Open and close the service on rostered days in accordance with service procedures, including completing opening and closing safety checks, security procedures, attendance verification, and ensuring the service is ready for operation or secured at the end of the day.

Key Competencies

• Child-centred practice

• Leadership and teamwork

• Communication and relationship building

• Initiative and reliability

• Problem solving and decision making

• Organisation and time management

• Professional judgement

• Commitment to continuous improvement

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Current NSW Working With Children Check.

• Current Provide First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management qualifications (or willingness to obtain).

• Minimum two (2) years' experience working with school-aged children in an OSHC, education, recreation or children's services setting.

• Demonstrated leadership capability within an OSHC, recreation, education or childcare setting.

• Sound knowledge of the National Quality Framework, National Quality Standard and My Time, Our Place V2.0.

• Demonstrated understanding of Child Safe Standards and mandatory reporting obligations.

• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to supervise children effectively and maintain a safe, engaging and inclusive environment.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

• Commitment to ongoing professional learning and continuous improvement.

Desirable

• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualification.

• Previous experience leading educators within an OSHC environment.

• Experience supporting children with additional needs.

• Food Safety or Food Handling Certificate.

• Experience using Xplor Home or similar childcare management software.

• Experience contributing to Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), critical reflection and Assessment and Rating.

Personal Attributes

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• A warm, caring and approachable manner.

• Integrity and professionalism.

• Reliability and accountability.

• Initiative and motivation.

• Strong organisational skills.

• Flexibility and adaptability.

• Positive attitude and enthusiasm.

• Respect for diversity, inclusion and cultural safety.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Commitment to lifelong learning.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be demonstrated by:

• Building positive and trusting relationships with children, families and educators.

• Demonstrating professional conduct and ethical practice at all times.

• Maintaining high standards of supervision, education and care.

• Consistently complying with service policies, procedures and legislative requirements.

• Supporting the successful implementation of the educational program.

• Contributing positively to the Self-Assessment Tool and continuous improvement.

• Supporting the leadership team to achieve the National Quality Standard.

• Demonstrating initiative, teamwork and developing leadership capability.

• Creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for every child.

• Ensuring that the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children remain the paramount consideration in every decision and action.

Child Safe Statement

• Kids Cottage Middle Harbour is committed to providing a child-safe environment where children are respected, valued and protected from harm.

All employees are expected to:

• Uphold the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and the NSW Child Safe Standards.

• Protect children from abuse, neglect, harm and exploitation.

• Comply with child protection legislation and mandatory reporting requirements.

• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical conduct.

• Promote children's participation, inclusion, cultural safety and wellbeing.

• Immediately report any child safety concerns in accordance with service procedures.

Legislative and Professional Framework

This role is undertaken in accordance with:

• Education and Care Services National Law

• Education and Care Services National Regulations

• National Quality Standard

• My Time, Our Place V2.0

• NSW Child Safe Standards

• Child Safe Scheme Requirements

• Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW)

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011

• Children's Services Award 2010 (as amended)

• Fair Work Act 2009

• Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics

• Kids Cottage Middle Harbour Policies and Procedures