About the Roles:

Play Matters Australia has two incredible opportunities for a Play Helper to join our team in Cairns.  

One role will work alongside a Facilitator in our Play Stars program to deliver play experiences for babies, children & their families that are welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.  This is a casual position starting 25 January 2024 for approximately 6 hours per fortnight. 

The second role will work alongside a Facilitator in a supported playgroup to deliver play experiences for children & their families that are welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.  This is a casual position starting 25 January 2024 for approximately 3 hours per fortnight.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Supporting the creation of a calm, relaxed environment where children are encouraged to move freely and safely.
• Preparing for and delivering developmentally appropriate play experiences to achieve program outcomes.
• Communicating with parents in the group and/or Facilitator about the specific needs of children within the scope and context of program delivery.
• Role modelling safe children's play and assisting children to negotiate the opportunities and challenges of being part of a social group.
  
  

Essential Criteria:

• Hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement (Blue card)
• Experience and/or knowledge supporting children and their families that have a child with a disability or developmental delays.
• Sensitivity to families from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to assist in group facilitation using a strengths-based approach.
• Sound understanding of age and developmentally appropriate toys for children.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills when interacting with others.
• Consistently presents a warm, welcoming, friendly, approachable, and professional manner to participating families.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working within a group setting that requires the ability to model positive strategies when dealing with challenging behaviours.
• Experience working with families from varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• An interest in early childhood development.

About us: 

Play Matters Australia, a registered charity, collaborates with government, non-government, and community agencies to support families with young children. Our mission is to support children and families in building relationships, skills, and confidence through the power of play. We've been empowering parents and caregivers for nearly 50 years, offering programs that give children from birth to five the best start in life through play. We're dedicated to recognising parents and caregivers as a child's first teacher and provide government-funded, evidence-based early intervention programs nationwide. We are driven by our core values of collaboration, welcoming and inclusivity, accountability, contemporary practice, fun, and creativity.

Play Matters Australia is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

Play Matters Australia acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate.  We commit to working respectfully to honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country. 

Diversity and inclusivity are important to Play Matters Australia and we are committed to ensuring our workplace and services reflect this.  Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and physical ability. 

Play Matters Australia is Committed to Child Safety:

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

What we offer:

• A flexible and fun work environment.
• A collaborative and supportive team.
• An opportunity to make a difference in the lives of everyday Australian families.
• Ongoing training, development, and mentoring opportunities.

How to Apply:

If you fit the criteria for this role, please send your resume and a cover letter to Paula Castle (pcastle@playmatters.org.au) outlining your suitability and which role you are interested in. Applicants must be an Australian resident.