About Us:

At Play Matters Australia, our purpose is to enrich lives through the power of connection and play.

We champion values of collaboration, Inclusivity, creativity and fun, as well as accountability and contemporary practice. Our ethos recognises parents and caregivers as a child’s first teacher, a principle that is deeply embedded in all our programs.

We invite you to join us in our commitment to creating playful and nurturing environments where all children can thrive.

Commitment to Child Safety:

We have zero tolerance for child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be mindful that we carry out working with children and reference checks to ensure that we are recruiting the right people.

Your New Role:

Part time, fixed-term role with 6 hours per fortnight from May 2025 until December 2025.

• Support the creation of a calm, relaxed environment where children can engage freely and safely.
• Prepare and deliver developmentally appropriate play experiences to achieve program outcomes.
• Communicate with parents and Facilitator about the specific needs of children within the context of program delivery.
• Role model safe children's play
• Assist children to negotiate the opportunities and challenges of being part of a social group.

Play groups will be activity focused and will vary in locations across Townsville and community locations each week.

Culture and Benefits:

• Fun and inclusive company
• Cultural leave
• EAP support including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support line
• Flexible working arrangements
• Supportive workplace environment
• Milestone celebrations
• Superannuation salary sacrifice
• Purchased leave
• Discounts at selected stores

Essential Criteria:

• Hold or be eligible to hold valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement
• Experience and/or knowledge supporting children and their families.
• Sensitivity to families from diverse backgrounds.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Consistently presents a warm, welcoming, friendly, approachable, and professional manner to participating families.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience and/or knowledge supporting children and their families that have a child with a disability or developmental delays.
• Experience working with families from varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• An interest in early childhood development.
• Experience providing referrals to other support services.
• Demonstrated ability to assist in group facilitation using a play-based and strengths-based approaches.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

At Play Matters Australia, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As part of our core values, we embrace inclusivity and actively uphold our Reconciliation Action Plan through a dedicated working group. We strive to ensure that every team member feels valued, respected, and supported.

We have also introduced cultural leave to honour and recognise the diverse cultural backgrounds of our employees. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and communities to join us in making a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

If you would like to request any adjustments so you can participate in this recruitment process, please let us know so that we can accommodate you.

Please direct any questions with regards to this role to Rebecca Ufer (Regional Manager Townsville) [email protected] using the subject line: Play Helper - Townsville enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.