Child & Family Practitioner / Early Childhood Educator

Micah Projects is a community based not-for-profit organisation with a vision to create justice and respond to injustice at the personal, social, and structural levels in church, government, business, and society. We believe that every child and adult has the right to a home, an income, healthcare, education, safety, dignity, and connection with their community of choice. Micah Projects provides a range of support and advocacy services to individuals and families.

Wellspring Children and Families Hub is part of a network of services that aims to provide opportunities and resources to parents and their children. The Hub has specific strategies to support children from birth to 5 years old and their parents who are experiencing crisis such as domestic and family violence, and homelessness, health and other social issues where dedicated service to children will assist the family through adversity. The hub provides resources to parents and their children through a network of services including:

• Micah Projects Support Services
• Refuges, specialist Women’s services
• Family Support services
• Child Health Nurses and specialist developmental professions

Hawthorne Child and Family Hub includes a licenced fee-free trauma – informed early childhood service for children birth to five years of age whose parents are engaged with support and advocacy services to address their current circumstances. Evidence demonstrates that provision of safe, supportive early childhood services whilst experiencing or witnessing trauma can mitigate the impact of trauma on the child’s development. The Hawthorne Child and Family Hub facilitates and supports the delivery of visiting services and clinics and targeted early childhood groups and parenting groups.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Child & Family Practitioner (Early Childhood Educator) to work as part of the Wellspring Children & Families Hub team to assist in the provision of trauma informed services to children 0-5 years and their families. The early childhood trauma – informed program will be focused on:

• Development milestones – supporting physical and social/emotional development of children 0-5
• Positive interactions with children and their families
• Support to access and engage in universal early childhood education and care settings
• Outreach to families residing in temporary accommodation with Micah Projects

The position requires the creation of strong and respectful relationships with parents, to encourage and support them to be skilled, knowledgeable and responsive in meeting the needs of their children during their early years.

This is a full-time or part-time fixed term employment opportunity until 30 June 2027 at Level 3 of the SCHADS Award.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Early Years Senior Child & Family Practitioner and Hub Coordinator to create a safe and stimulating environment for children attending the Hub
• Support the planning and implement trauma informed programs for the physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs of children in the centre
• Maintain the centre, and all equipment in a standard that complies with all current regulations
• Work collaboratively with families, other staff, organisations and community to ensure positive outcomes for children of vulnerable families

Essential Criteria

• Diploma in Children Early Education and Care as recognised by ACECQA with a minimum three years of experience
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of working with children from birth to school age and the development and implementation of early childhood programs that support the learning, social and emotional development of children with complex issues
• Demonstrated understanding and application of the Australian Early Years Learning Framework
• Demonstrated ability to work with parents to improve their relationships and interactions with their children and support their role in promoting school readiness and the healthy development of children.

More information about the role and to learn more about the key selection criteria, select the link to the Position Description

For more information, please email hr@micahprojects.org.au using the subject line: Child & Family Practitioner / Early Childhood Educator enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Benefits of working at Micah Projects

• Join a well-recognised multidisciplinary organisation;
• Salary Packaging option up to $15,899, increasing your take home pay (additional meals and entertainment card option up to $2,650);
• Access to discounted fitness facilities through Fitness Passport for you and your family;
• Access to free and confidential Employee Assistance Program;
• Ongoing professional development opportunities, including further training, so you can broaden your horizons and sharpen your skillset during your time with us;
• Access to other employee benefits, including Portable Long Service Leave (QLeave), supply of uniforms, and Flare benefits.

How to Apply

If you believe that you have interest, passion, and desire to make a difference in people’s lives, please click "Apply Now".

Please supply a Resume/CV and a covering letter/email addressing the Key Responsibilities and Essential Criteria (maximum of 2 pages), along with any other relevant documentation.

While the deadline to receive applications is as advertised, applications will be assessed with interviews being conducted as they are received so do not delay in applying!

Micah Projects is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all abilities and life experiences. We also encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply.

A position description is attached.