About us...

Act for Kids is a provider of free prevention, professional therapy and support services for children who have suffered abuse and support for families at risk.

Our unique multidisciplinary teams provide integrated therapy, sexual abuse counselling, safe houses in remote Indigenous communities, information, advice and referral services, intensive family support and early learning centres designed for children with additional development needs to ensure we set them up for success at school.

With over 25 centres nationally, we have supported thousands of children and their families for more than 30 years. In 2019 - 2020 we provided services to 44,894 people, including over 29,000 children

About the program and role...

Based in Townsville, the Early Education Program is a trauma-specific inclusive model of education operating three days per week. The EEP is a specialised educational program for children aged between 3 and 5 years old, who have been affected by abuse and neglect. Our program is based on Queensland’s Early Years Curriculum with integrated components of psychology, speech and occupational therapy, mind-body yoga, canine therapy and cultural learning sessions.

To support the ongoing delivery of this program we are seeking a Teaching Assistant to join the team. This position is part-time (0.6FTE), fixed term until 17 December 2021.

Key responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the Early Years Curriculum to a small classroom of children aged between 3 and 5 years of age.
• Build relationships with the parents/carers of the children attending and engage their support to meet developmental goals.
• Participate in the development and implementation of trauma-informed positive behaviour support plans.
• Facilitate social learning, community connectedness, good health and wellbeing for children and their families.
• Build relationships with educational settings in the wider community to support children’s transition from the Early Education Program to mainstream schooling.  

About you...

• Certificate III in Education Support, Community Services or similar vocational qualification is desirable.
• At least 2 years’ experience supporting children to engage in early learning environments.
• Ability to be non-judgmental and respectfully coach families in learning practical skills.
• Cultural awareness and an understanding of how to work with families from different backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

With over 30% of our employees identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, we encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

About the pay...

• Position is classified Level 3.1 – 3.4 under the SCHCADS award;
• Salary range is $62,743 - $67,270 plus 9.5% superannuation (pro-rata for part-time);
• In addition, as a registered Not for Profit/Charity, we offer excellent salary packaging options through RemServ which can significantly increase your take home pay.

 About the benefits...

• Overall winner of HRD Employer of Choice 2019 (100-499 employees)
• Winner of HRD Employer of Choice 2019 in (1) Health & Wellbeing (2) Leadership (3) Work-Life Balance
• Strong values based organisation
• Excellent professional development options (including annual professional development fund opportunities)
• Paid parental leave and study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program including Health & Well-being Portal
• Excellent family friendly and flexible work environment.

Blue Card Requirement

From 31 August 2020, you are required to have a current blue card to commence employment at Act for Kids in Queensland. Please visit Queensland Blue cards for more information.

About applying...

Click on ‘Apply for this job’ to submit an application or for more information about the role, contact Emily Gleeson on 4755 8777 or Emily.Gleeson@actforkids.com.au

Click here to see a full copy of the position description.

Closing Date: 24 January 2021