POSITION TITLE: Early Childhood Teacher (Emergency) POSITION NUMBER: 2412 CLASSIFICATION/BAND: Early Childhood Teacher Emergency $30.75 per hour, plus casual loading, applicable allowances and superannuation where earnings exceed $450 per month. STATUS: Casual Position DIVISION: Community Services DEPARTMENT: Family Services APPROVED BY: Megan Holbrook DATE APPROVED: 13 January 2015 POSITION OBJECTIVE: To plan, implement and evaluate a high quality innovative and culturally responsive educational program that supports a holistic approach to the care and development of individual children preschool age children. To provide pedagogical leadership within the team of educators at the service. To effectively assist children to develop their social, emotional, cognitive, language, fine-motor and gross-motor competencies that are needed for a successful transition to school and provide information, guidance and support to families regarding school readiness of their children. To develop a program that reflects individual children, family and community needs and meets the requirements of the City of Greater Geelong, State and Commonwealth Government Guidelines, Education and Care Services National Law, Education and Care Services Regulations and National Quality Standards. To work co-operatively with leadership and ancillary staff, educators and allied professionals to provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children attending the service. THE CITY OF GREATER GEELONG: The City of Greater Geelong is one of the largest local government areas in Victoria. The City provides more than 120 services to the municipality which has a population of more than 200,000. The City has an annual budget of $229 million and employs over 2000 staff. It also utilises a large number of volunteers. The city of Greater Geelong has a large and increasing population of young children with over 13,000 children aged 0-4 years and over 10,000 children aged between 5-8 years. There are over 400 local services for young children and families located within the municipality. The organisation has five divisions: Community Services; Corporate Services; Economic Development, Planning and Tourism; City Services and Projects, Recreation and Central Geelong. Geelong: Located 75 kilometres from Melbourne, Geelong is Victoria’s second largest city and is renowned for its stunning north facing waterfront which overlooks Corio Bay. Geelong is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a relaxed coastal flavour. It is recognised as offering one of the best lifestyles in Australia. Geelong has all the modern amenities of larger cities, combined with a clean and healthy environment. Just minutes away from the city centre are kilometres of pristine beaches, charming seaside townships and unspoilt rural hinterland. Geelong is also the gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road and some of the best surf beaches in the world. The City offers excellent educational opportunities. Geelong Grammar, Geelong College, The Gordon and Deakin University are just some of the schools and tertiary institutions in the region. ORGANISATION ENVIRONMENT: Geelong is among the largest of 79 Councils which collectively represent approximately 5 million Victorians. While each Council is independent, there are common rules, mainly in the form of State Legislation, which provide the framework in which Councils operate. Our Vision: Greater Geelong: building our community through enterprise, opportunity and innovation in a quality environment. Our Mission: We will focus on developing and maintaining effective working relationships to deliver Council's strategic directions and high quality services that meet the changing needs of our community. Values and Behaviours: Values form the basis of our behaviour; they add meaning to work and they provide a basis for consistent planning and decision making across the organisation. The City of Greater Geelong aims to foster a culture that embraces the organisation values being Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation and Respect. All employees should demonstrate the behaviours that come from these values when carrying out their work. ORGANISATION RELATIONSHIP: This position is part of the Community Services Division which comprises the following Departments: • • • • • Family Services Community Development Arts and Culture Health and Local Laws Aged and Disability Services Reports To: Coordinator Early Childhood Education and Care / Centre Director or Coordinator Integrated Children’s Centres / Centre Manager Directly Manages: Educators’, Ancillary Support Staff Students Volunteers Internal Liaisons: Family Services Team Leaders Early Childhood Educators and other Kindergarten Teachers Other Council departments External Liaisons: Clients, relevant Commonwealth and State Government Departments, other Early Childhood services, professional networks, community groups and local agencies KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Provision of Education and Care 1. Provide support to the Coordinator Early Childhood Education and Care and Centre Director in the operations of the Children’s Centre and delivery of education and care programs. 2. Support the development of a centre culture and service systems that actively promote multidisciplinary practice, integration and professional learning amongst staff. 3. Ensure a safe, caring and stimulating environment exists for all children and that the health and well being of each child is a priority. 4. Provide, implement and evaluate programs for all children, individually and in the group situation in line with the EYLF learning outcomes, practice principles and National Quality Standards. 5. Establish a holistic service model which enhances the development and well-being of children including liaising with relevant support and professional services, facilitate parent engagement, and delivers an innovative program that responds to the specific needs of local children and the community. 6. Maintain detailed developmental observations and records for each child to be used as a basis for individual and group programming in line with the EYLF learning outcomes and practice principles. 7. Provide programs which assist children with additional needs to integrate into the program, and ensure the program is flexible to cater for their needs. Participate in, consultations with relevant referral agencies and specialists working with children with special needs. 8. Assist in identifying and addressing emerging needs and service gaps for the early childhood education and care service. 9. Structure the indoor and outdoor environments and activities with a balance of active and passive learning areas to guide children to participate constructively, to explore, to learn and interact positively with other children in the group through play 10. Ensure supervision of children is active, adequate and efficient at all times and implement and maintain clear expectations for children when establishing limits for appropriate behaviour. 11. Support and assist Centre Director and Early Childhood Educators on the ongoing implementation of the National Quality reforms and monitor compliance of the Education and Care Services National Regulations, Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and National Quality Standards. Liaison and Resourcing 1. Assist with, and participate in, consultations with relevant referral agencies and specialists working with children with additional needs. 2. Actively support and communicate with parent(s) and families through a broad range of mediums and measures regarding their children’s progress and development in ways which are meaningful, and appropriate; conduct parent teacher interviews on a six monthly basis or as individual needs require it and ensure collaboration and relationships among children, families, staff and the broader community. 3. Develop and maintain strong links to 3 Year old playgroup(s), schools, neighborhood houses, and family support services to facilitate families and children to progress to school and access services as required. 4. Respond promptly to enquiries relating to the programs, procedures and activities within the Centre and undertake general promotion of the Centre through professional conduct, inquiries via telephone and feedback from parents. 5. Liaise with the Centre Director, Early Childhood Education and Care Team Leaders, staff and resource agencies in regard to the development of individual children. 6. Act as resource to parents and the community through maintaining an awareness of community and support agencies. Team Building 1. Maintain a co-operative and flexible attitude towards the development of a motivated, professional team in a multi-disciplinary culture. 2. Assist in establishment of daily procedures, policies, objectives and philosophies for the Centre. 3. Act as resource to other staff in sharing of program ideas, support and information exchange. 4. Ensure confidentiality, professionalism and discretion is maintained at all times. 5. Be a supportive and active member of the Family Services team, attending meetings, committee meetings, and professional development and participate in project teams as required. Administrative Support 1. Assist in the implementation of the unit Business Plan and Marketing Strategy. 2. Support and assist the Centre Director in the general administration of the Centre. 3. Support the early childhood education and care services with data collection and financial reporting. 4. Carry out other duties deemed reasonable and appropriate to the role as directed from time to time. Professional Development 1. To maintain professional knowledge, resources and skills through in-service education, sharing ideas and professional reading. 2. To maintain necessary qualifications essential for the role. 3. Adherence to all Council’s policies and procedures as relevant to this position. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA: Essential: 1. Tertiary qualifications (Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or equivalent) and practical experience in the care of pre-school children is essential. 2. Sound knowledge of the development of children in the 0-6 years age group and proven ability to plan appropriate programs in relation to the Early Years Learning and Development Frameworks. 3. Sound understanding of the principles of integrated service delivery. 4. Demonstrated flexibility, innovation, and ability to work with a range of professionals from diverse disciplines. 5. Ability to identify and develop relationships with key stakeholders. 6. Willingness to take a lead and active role in the implementation of the integrated children’s services model. 7. Well developed skills in observing and interpreting children’s behaviour and demonstrated ability to relate effectively to young children. 8. Proven ability to establish, promote and develop open communication channels with staff, parents and the community. 9. Demonstrated ability to promote teamwork and foster the exchange of ideas and participation of staff members in problem solving and the development of service improvements. 10. Ability to ensure confidentiality, professionalism and discretion is maintained. 11. Ability to plan and efficiently organise time and prioritise tasks and undertake service administration. 12. Demonstrated ability to show care and responsibility and have no criminal history of neglect, abuse or violence towards children. Current National Police Check and Working with Children Checks. 13. Current Victorian Driver’s Licence. 14. All candidates should display integrity, responsibility, respect for others and the ability to be innovative. ACCOUNTABILITY AND EXTENT OF AUTHORITY: In addition to those listed under the Key Selection criteria. • Responsible for the effective planning, development and implementation of a Kindergarten program within the Centre. • Responsible for informing of any service developments, difficulties and opportunities. • Assist the team by supporting the Centre goals and objectives, to promote the growth and development of the children on a daily and long term basis. • Be responsible for keeping comprehensive records regarding children’s records, pay/leave records, routine updates and other information as required by the Centre, Council or regulatory bodies. • Responsible for ensuring that the Children’s Centre building, grounds and equipment are maintained to a high standard of hygiene, safety, cleanliness and repair and that any maintenance or safety related issues are reported in a timely manner in accordance with OHS regulations. • Accountable for creating and capturing accurate and complete records of the business activities related to this position, in accordance with approved policy and procedures. This is applicable to both hardcopy and electronic information, including email. JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING: • Make recommendations to the on planning and implementation of Kindergarten programs within the Centre and the associated needs of the program. • Bring to the attention of the Coordinator Early Childhood Education and Care or Centre Director any Health and Safety or operational issues pertaining to their work environment. SPECIALIST SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: • Sound knowledge of the development of children in the 0-6 years age group and proven ability to plan appropriate programs in line with the Early Years Learning and Development Frameworks. • Well developed skills and experience in observing and interpreting children’s behaviour and demonstrated ability to relate effectively to young children. • Proven ability to establish, promote and develop open communication channels with staff, parents and the community. • An understanding of the needs of the local community. • Understand and implement Government, Council and Centre policies, Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations and assist with recommendations of policy and/or operational changes to the Centre. MANAGEMENT SKILLS: • Ability to manage workload, including set priorities and deliver requisite outcomes in a timely manner. • Strong administrative and organisational skills. • Capacity to successfully meet agreed performance targets and reporting measures. • Familiarity with basic budgeting techniques in the purchasing of suitable kindergarten resources and requirements. • Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team. • Ability to manage change and be innovative. • Supervise and support students and participate in assessment and consultation with relevant collegial staff. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: • Ability to demonstrate the organisational Values and Behaviours and represent Council in a positive and professional manner. • Ability to demonstrate enthusiasm, self-motivation and innovation within self and in the staff team. • Demonstrated ability to be flexible, responsive to a range of situations and to show initiative and creativity. • Employ effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills to resolve issues with families and staff. • High level communication skills including oral and written skills. • Ability to contribute to and work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team. • Ability to work effectively with community groups, organisations and peak networks. • Demonstrate integrity, responsibility, respect and innovation in all aspects of the position. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: In addition to those listed in the key selection criteria. • Tertiary qualifications (Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or equivalent) together with practical experience in the care of pre-school children is essential. • Current Victorian Driver’s Licence. • Current Working with Children Check. • Current Police check (must be less than 6 months form date of issue). • Current Level 2 First Aid. • Current Management of Anaphylaxis, Asthma and CPR. SPECIFIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: • A pre-employment medical examination may be required. • Participate, where required, in the reporting of health, safety and wellbeing issues. • Long / short distance travel between sites as necessary. • Dealing with difficult clients and situations. • Manual handling tasks may be involved. SPECIAL CONDITIONS: • • • • Employment is subject to the presentation of documentary evidence of the right to work in Australia. A National Police Records and Working with Children’s check may be required throughout your employment with Council. Current Victorian Drivers Licence is essential where the need to drive a Council vehicle is required. This position requires work outside normal rostered hours from time to time, subject to the conditions of Council’s EBA. RISK MANAGEMENT, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND CHARTER OF HUMAN RIGHTS: Observe policies and procedures to minimise injury and damage to assets and property. Adhere to Council’s OH&S, equal opportunity and risk management policies, as well as act in accordance with the Charter of Human Rights. Ensure behaviour in the workplace does not discriminate, bully or harass others. Take reasonable care of self and others who may be affected by your actions. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: Employment may be subject to a three-month probationary period (please note that following consultation, this period may be extended by up to a further three months). Internal candidates may be subject to a three-month trial period. Conditions of employment are as per your contract of employment. The City of Greater Geelong is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has a no smoking in the workplace practise and is also committed to Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) in the workplace and therefore all employees adherence to all OH&S Policies and Procedures is mandatory. HOW TO APPLY Applications for this position close at 5.00pm Friday 30 January 2015 and should be submitted through the on-line facility at www.geelongaustralia.com.au (for internal candidates, please refer to CityWeb). Should you not have access to the on-line facility, applications may be directed to: Recruitment Administration Officer Organisation Development Department City of Greater Geelong PO Box 104 GEELONG VIC 3220 Phone: 5272 4273 Fax: 5272 4292 For details on the recruitment process If you require further information regarding this position, please contact: Lisa Demajo, Coordinator Early Childhood Education and Care on 5272 4797. Privacy Statement Making an application for this position requires that you consent to the collection, use, storage and destruction of personal information, including details of your referees. This information will assist us to select the best applicant for the vacant position. At all times during the recruitment and selection process, personal data will be treated in a highly confidential manner. Documents will only be available to members of the selection committee for the purposes of selecting the best person for the position. All unsuccessful applicants’ documentation will be destroyed three months after the end of the recruitment process. Please do not send originals of documentation with your application, as they will be destroyed. In addition the applicant understands that they may apply to Council for access and/or amendment of the information. Successful applicant details become employment-related information and will be placed on the successful applicant’s Personal File. The City of Greater Geelong may release this personal information to third parties such as Vision Super Fund Pty Ltd., Victorian Workcover and Centrelink for employment related purposes.
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