About Northern Schools Early Years

The Northern Schools Early Years (NSEY) is an Years Management group that supports 18 Early Childhood services, 16 of which are co-located on school sites. We are proud to have been announced as winners in the 2023 Department of Education’s Victorian Early Years Awards for Continuity of Learning for our kindergarten to grade 6 model and Improving Access and Participation in Early Learning for fast tracking 15 hours of funded 3 year old kindergarten. 

Our purpose is to “Love a Life of Learning and Living,” and we aim to set the highest standard of early years education in partnership with local schools and the community. We are committed to maximising outcomes for children in the early years, encouraging opportunities for families to be involved in their child’s early education and promoting professional career support, development and well-being for our educators. 

The Opportunity

We seek an experienced Social Worker to work with a small group of our kindergarten teams to provide practical support to children and families to accessing and participating in kindergarten programs  through referral pathways,  home visits, linkages to other professionals such as case workers, allied health workers, Maternal Child Health, schools and support parent support and case meetings.

Using a strength based approach and the principals of relational practice and Best Interest Practice framework,  there will be a clear focus on increasing meaningful engagement of children and their families supporting access and participation into  the kindergarten program and strengthen outcomes for children experiencing disadvantage.  The Social Worker will  provide holistically brief and group-based support to families and children with emerging vulnerability, based on their needs and in a culturally safe manner. The Social Worker will also work with educators to build on existing skills and knowledge in working with families and children experiencing vulnerability, through coaching and mentoring in order to enhance their confidence in supporting children's wellbeing and increasing participation in kindergarten.

• Generous and competitive conditions awarded
• Professional Development opportunities and linkages with schools, community hubs, allied health services
• A positive, diverse and committed team
• Strong partnerships with primary schools
• Collaborative and engaging community

Key Selection Criteria

To be successful in this position, you will be required to demonstrate ability in the following areas:

Suitable qualifications in social work  or equivalent.

Experience and skills in trauma informed practice and family violence, and/or mental health within children, youth and family service delivery or similar. 

A genuine understanding and expertise in:

• relational practice
• strength-based practice
• family-centred practice (partnerships with families)
• the Best Interests Practice Framework
• Attachment Theory

About you:

We are looking for someone who is passionate about children’s and community wellbeing, with experience and skills in social work, trauma-informed practice and family violence, and/or mental health within children, youth and family service delivery or similar. You must be able to work independently, whilst contributing strongly as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Knowledge of the service system and the issues and barriers that families may face in accessing and participating in programs and services for their child.

We are recognised by the sector and community for providing high quality early childhood education in partnerships with schools and the community that fosters a love of learning and living. The successful candidate will be required to support our purpose through their contribution to strengthening outcomes for children and our community. A commitment to community engagement, continuous quality improvement and an excellent understanding of the practice principles of the Best Interest Practice framework are hallmarks of this position. If you are motivated, enthusiastic and wish to take on a rewarding role that will offer a competitive salary package and professional development opportunities, want to work in partnership with schools, community and with a supportive Early Years Management team, please apply. 

The Northern Schools Early Years is a child-safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To apply for this position, click on the “Quick apply” button on Seek.  

For further information or to obtain a copy of the position description, please call (03) 9306 1662 or or email recruitment@nseyc.org.au