Early Years - Wayipungitj Worker

Job description

Walk with Families. Build Cultural Safety. Strengthen Kindergarten Connection.

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation is seeking a Wayipungitj Worker to work alongside our other Wayipungitj Worker as a team, promoting cultural awareness and cultural safety across early years services in the Campaspe Shire LGA. You'll support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and community to access and participate in kindergarten, and work with educators and services to build culturally inclusive and welcoming environments.

This is a designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position under a special measure in accordance with section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

About the role

Reporting to the Early Years Manager, you'll work closely with kindergarten services, the Koorie Engagement Support Officer, Best Start Facilitator and community organisations across the Campaspe LGA.

• Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to access and enrol their children in kindergarten, and help address barriers to enrolment and ongoing attendance
• Support children and families through the transition into kindergarten, and later into school
• Provide cultural perspective and advice to educators and teachers, and work directly with them to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ways of knowing within programs
• Build the cultural capability and confidence of educators, in partnership with the other Wayipungitj Worker
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with Elders, community members and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations across the region
• Attend Best Start meetings to help identify service gaps and emerging family and community needs
• Work sensitively with families who may be wary of services, respecting self-determination and family choice
• Prepare biannual reports demonstrating progress against key focus areas and program outcomes



Why join Njernda?

At Njernda Aboriginal Corporation you'll be part of a values-driven, community-controlled organisation, guided by our values of Respect, Accountability, Resilience, Advocacy and Cultural Sensitivity.

• $42,000 annual salary pro rata (SCHADS Level 2.1) + Super
• Generous salary packaging benefits (not-for-profit)
• Victorian Ambulance Membership reimbursement (for you and your family)
• Supportive team environment and access to supervision
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Genuine work–life balance and the benefits of a regional lifestyle
  

Selection Criteria - these must be addressed

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified position. To be considered, your application must include a separate document responding to each of the numbered criteria below.

1. A Certificate III in Early Childhood, Community Services, Education or a related field, or a willingness to obtain one
2. A minimum of 2 years' experience in a similar role
3. Connection to, and understanding of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and community in the Campaspe LGA or broader region, with experience working with Aboriginal children, families and community
4. Understanding of the barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families may face in accessing early years services, including the impacts of past government and welfare intervention
5. Ability to build trusted, respectful relationships with families, community members, Elders and service providers
6. Sound communication, collaboration and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work closely as part of a two-person team
7. Ability to travel independently across the Campaspe Shire LGA
8. Experience working within early childhood or education settings
9. Knowledge of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and early childhood quality standards
10. Experience attending or contributing to Best Start or similar collaborative service networks
11. Experience preparing reports or contributing to program planning and evaluation

How to apply

Applying is simple — just click the Apply button and complete the online form.

Your application must include:

1. An up-to-date CV
2. A cover letter
3. A separate response addressing each numbered Selection Criterion above
4. Contact details for at least two professional referees

Before applying, please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Current and valid Victorian Working with Children Check
• National Police Check
• Current and valid full Victorian Driver's Licence
• Eligibility to work in Australia
• Vaccination status and pre-employment screening in line with Njernda's policies and procedures

Please note, late applications and incomplete applications without key selection criteria responses, will not be considered.