Community Development Officer

Community Development (Community Services & Development) 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 30 hours per fortnight from January 2025 until June 2026. Our vision is ‘Playful Connected Communities’ and you will directly help us achieve this by building growth and retention in various programs.

• Identify growth opportunities within the community sector and apply community development strategies to support, sustain, and grow community playgroups and programs.
• Develop session resources, including activity plans, social media content, tip sheets, and newsletters, and guide student placements.
• Facilitate programs as required and support volunteers to ensure program sustainability.
• Develop strong relationships with organisations and stakeholders, coordinate events, participate in local forums, and provide best practice advice for service delivery and community development.

Culture and Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Inclusive team culture
• Milestone celebrations
• EAP Support

In our last 2 annual employee engagement surveys, the highlights for staff were:

• Having good working relationships
• Believing that Play Matters Australia positively impacts lives
• Feeling personally supported by someone at work

Your Skills Profile:

• We are currently seeking a passionate team player to join our team at Play Matters.
• If you hold qualifications and/or relevant experience in human services, community development, early childhood education, or related fields, then this is the role for you.
• If you have experience working with First Nations families and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, then this is the organisation for you.

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. How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the role outlined above by 27th November, 2024. Apply through Seek or email your resume and cover letter or questions to Rebecca Ufer (Regional Manager Townsville): Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check?

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