Childcare & Outside School Hours Care (Education & Training)
The Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD) has been established with a clear mandate: to create a fairer and better future for all children in South Australia by implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care. As the steward of the early childhood development system, we work in collaboration with the sector to organise and connect services, aiming to reduce developmental vulnerability across the state. Our initiatives include expanding access to quality preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds, supporting families in the critical first 1000 days of a child’s life.
In the next phase of our transformation, we are building a new team of Early Childhood Partners across South Australia. These roles will directly contribute to the success of our reforms, including the implementation of universal 3-year-old preschool and improved early childhood outcomes across our communities.
About the Roles:
The Change and Local Partnerships directorate within the OECD comprises a state-wide network of teams that cover 8 regions across South Australia. These teams are responsible for guiding the implementation of early childhood reforms, including the roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool. The Early Childhood Partners will be part of these dedicated teams and will work closely with local stakeholders, including service providers, educators, families, community leaders, and other government agencies.
Reporting to the Regional Manager, the Early Childhood Partners will provide essential advice and support to services across the state, helping to implement reforms that positively impact children and families. This role will involve frequent travel within your dedicated region to build strong, trusted relationships with key local stakeholders and ensure that state-level policies are effectively implemented at the local level.
This is an opportunity to have a significant impact on the future of early childhood education in South Australia, while directly engaging with the community and frontline services.
We are seeking applications for the following regions:
* Inner North
* Victor Harbour
* Limestone Coast and Murray Mallee
As an Early Childhood Partner, you will play a key role in shaping the future of early childhood education by:
* Overseeing the partnership arrangements and establishing strong working relationships with early childhood services across the region.
* Fostering and facilitating system-level coordination of early childhood and related services across the region, building strong networks, and fostering the development of networks, communities of practice and collaborative relationships widely in the community.
* Leading regional and service-level reporting and monitoring related to early childhood reforms.
* Leading broad stakeholder engagement with community, cross-government and other relevant stakeholders, including developing and leading communication and collaboration activities to support the implementation and embedment of the early childhood reforms across the region.
* Driving change management and support system readiness through capacity building, providing the crucial link between statewide policy decisions and local execution with an initial focus on 3-year-old preschool.
What We Are Looking For:
To succeed in this role, you will have a strong background in the early childhood education and care sector and be passionate about driving positive change. You’ll excel at building relationships and will be adept at working collaboratively with both internal teams and external stakeholders. Key to your success will be your ability to analyse complex problems, develop solutions, and ensure that strategies are implemented effectively across diverse communities.
We’re looking for someone who brings:
* Change Management Expertise: Proven ability to lead and support services through complex change initiatives and project delivery, including overcoming resistance and ensuring smooth implementation of new policies and reforms.
* Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to liaise, influence, and negotiate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
* Experience in planning and problem-solving, with a track record of managing complex issues and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.
* Demonstrated expertise in the early childhood education sector, with a comprehensive understanding of its challenges and opportunities.
* A current, unrestricted South Australian driver’s license, with the ability and willingness to travel regularly within your designated region.
Working as an Early Childhood Partner offers a range of benefits designed to support your professional and personal growth:
* Social Impact: As an Early Childhood Partner in the regional area, you will have the opportunity to engage with local communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and contribute directly to improving outcomes in this culturally rich and diverse area.
* Work-Life Balance: Experience a more relaxed pace of life in the regional areas, with shorter commutes and more time for personal pursuits. The flexibility of working in a regional setting allows for greater work-life balance.
* Professional Growth: As part of a new team in a growing sector, you will have the chance to build your expertise, contribute to large-scale reforms, and develop your potential in a dynamic and impactful role.
* Training and Support: Established leaders and teams in the region will support your success in your new role. An immersive 4-week team induction and training program to help you settle.
* Autonomy and Flexibility: Enjoy the ability to work flexibly, with a high degree of independence, while contributing to the local community.
* Collaborative Team Environment: Be part of a supportive and passionate team committed to making a real difference in the lives of children and families.
* Travel and Meal Allowances: Benefit from a pool car for travel within your region, reducing expenses and wear-and-tear on your personal vehicle. Meal and travel allowances (where applicable) are also provided.
* Contract Length: This is a full-time, 2-year contract with the potential to be made ongoing.
* Start Date: Positions are available for commencement from January 2025.
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit the following through the IWorkForSA website:
* Your CV and cover letter, demonstrating your suitability against the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.
* Applicants may be subject to psychometric testing, a competency assessment, and online interview throughout the recruitment process.
* Applicant suitability will be determined with consideration to their ability to travel within a dedicated region.
* A DHS Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for this role, which must be renewed every five years.
* Successful applicants will be required to complete the RRHAN-EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse, and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) course or the online Fundamentals course, with updates every three years.
* For a full list of special conditions, please refer to the attached Position Description.
Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
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