The ELAA way

For over 30 years, Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) has been collaborating with parents and early learning providers toward a shared vision of excellence and equity in early childhood education and care. This is achieved by collaboratively developing solutions with ELAA members, Government, and partners and by providing ELAA members with a voice in public debate about early learning. 

We are passionate about the importance of high-quality, affordable, and accessible early childhood education and care. ELAA’s clearly defined strategic objectives and enviable culture are supported by values reflected in ELAA’s operations, Excellence, Equity, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Innovation.

Position Summary

This opportunity is ideal for the emerging HR professional interested in learning more about workplace relations and the thriving early education and care sector. Graduates may apply.

As part of the collaborative Member Solutions team and reporting to the Senior Advisor – Workplace Relations, the HR/Workplace Relations Advisor, provides industrial relations advice to early childhood education and care services. 

In this role, you will:

• Receive member enquiries via phone and email and exhibit a working knowledge of employment legislation, including familiarity with Modern Awards and/or enterprise agreements and the Fair Work Act
• Guide employers on disciplinary matters, performance management, redundancy, and grievance processes as a tailored support package
• Develop your skillset in the early childhood sector by providing advice and support to members to manage their governance and regulatory responsibilities
• Establish and maintain relationships with both new and existing members and other service providers, including following up to ensure advice given meets requirements
• Conduct payroll calculations for members and take a proactive approach in supporting the accuracy and timeliness of these functions.

Training and support will be provided to the successful applicant.

Success criteria

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A background in human resources or industrial/workplace relations (12 or more months of industry experience is desirable)
• Ability to understand specific employer situations, interpret relevant awards and agreements, and effectively communicate advice for employee matters
• A client-focused and personable phone manner, with experience liaising with employees or stakeholders
• An open, honest, articulate, and flexible approach to communication – written and verbal and the ability to listen
• An ability to balance competing tasks and work to tight timelines
• Motivation to engage in informal opportunities for self-development and learning in workplace relations and the early childhood sector
• Permanent residency in Australia with no restrictions
• A Victorian Working with Children Check (WCC) (or ability to apply)
• Up to date COVID-19 vaccination status (pre-requisite). 

It would be ideal if you also had:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma with a specialisation in Human Resource Management or Workplace/ Industrial Relations (desirable – Graduates may apply)
• Prior experience within the early learning or care sector or with the Victorian Early Childhood Teachers and Educators Agreement (VECTEA) 

What ELAA can offer you

Culturally, ELAA suits those community and service-orientated individuals with a growth mindset who bring initiative, accountability, and a passion for providing others with guidance and support. In return, you will be part of a leading peak body in the community early childhood education with supportive management and colleagues, flexible work location and times, and a focus on continuous improvement.

If you are passionate about making a real difference by supporting early childhood service providers to deliver high-quality early learning, we would like to hear from you.

How to apply

To submit your application, please press "Apply Now". Please text Melanie Haydon on 0411 102 450 should you have any queries.

Individuals are encouraged to apply early as applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and interviews may start to be conducted before the applications close. Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Please be advised that up to date COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector and is a requirement of this role. The successful applicant will be asked to provide proof of their vaccination status or approved medical exemption before being offered a position.