About the Organisation

At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people. A community not-for-profit organisation with 17 million participations annually across Australia. 8,000 staff and volunteers serve at more than 150 locations every day. We engage with communities to deliver programs and services that include community recreation, adventure and stadium sports, camping, learn to swim, children's programs, early learning, youth services, retirement living, disability services and social enterprises.

Our vision is simple – Amplify Your Voice. Shape Our Community. Challenge Our World.

About the Role

You will be responsible for supporting children to engage in kindergarten and transition from kindergarten to school. You will work directly with families and services, in prioritised areas, to address engagement barriers and support transition and ongoing participation in education.

This position is based in Bendigo and is being offered on a full time contract period of 6 months with the possibility of extension.

You will be:

• Outreaching to families to work through any concerns or practical barriers that may be preventing or limiting children’s attendance at kindergarten and supporting them with enrolment.
• Collaborating with educators and kindergarten services to support family engagement.
• Engaging with Koorie Engagement Coordinators and Koorie Engagement Support Officers and Koorie Pre-school assistants (in relevant areas) to coordinate services to support engagement.
• Providing regular support for Aboriginal families with children commencing school in2021 to support ongoing participation in early learning and transition initiatives.
• Identifying Aboriginal families and children eligible for four-year-old kindergarten and Early Start Kindergarten in 2021 by attending local kindergartens and liaising with local ACCOs.
• Providing mentoring and training for educators to engage vulnerable Aboriginal families at their service with support for reflection, and on-site coaching, to extend their inclusive and collaborative practices.

What we’re looking for

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have a good understanding of the local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and experience working directly with children, young people and families in an outreach style model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Education or related field
• Current First Aid & CPR or willingness to obtain prior to commencement
• Australian Drivers Licence
• Working with Children Check

All candidates will be required to undertake background and probity checks including Reference Checks, a Criminal Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

Benefits

At the YMCA, we value our people. Working for us means you’ll enjoy great work/life balance and a range of benefits which improve your wellbeing and help you develop as an individual, such as:

• Flexible working and rostering arrangements
• Paid parental leave for eligible employees
• Opportunities for career development and growth

Email Cathy at [email protected], using the subject line: Outreach Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs, for further information.