Extended Hours Program Coordinator

Children's Ground is a First Nations organisation. The Children's Ground Approach is designed and delivered through the leadership of First Nations people. We are committed to systems change to ensure dignity, justice and equity for all children and families. Our work focuses on national reform as well as evidencing a new way of working.

The Children's Ground Approach is a whole of community, whole of life approach. We privilege First Nations knowledge systems and practice. Over the course of a generation, led by local expertise, we create and deliver an integrated system that is centred on learning, development and wellbeing that responds to the child and their family through the key transition points from pre-birth to young adulthood.

Our approach recognises the cultural, social, and economic strength of our communities. We build on this over a generation to ensure a future for our children and grandchildren that gives them freedom, opportunity and rights to their culture and identity.

Children's Ground operates in Central Australia and across the Top End, with support provided by a Melbourne-based Shared Services team.

About you

The successful candidate will have experience as a Youth Worker, Social Worker or Community Program Coordinator. Proven experience in coordinating or managing community based programs, particularly with a youth and family focus within remote or Indigenous communities. Project management skills will assist you plan and manage the multiple tasks and deadlines. Strong people management skills and a being a collaborative facilitator is a must have.

About the Program

The Extended Hours Program is a critical part of the Children's Ground Approach. It sits within the Learning and Wellbeing area of Children's Ground and recognises the following:

• That a range of extra-curricular opportunities are important for all children and often not available for children living in First Nations communities
• Critical learning opportunities take place out of the traditional school day
• Positive community based activities support the wellbeing of children, young people, families and communities and should be a normal part of community life
• Cultural learning can happen at any time, in community, out bush, in families and that creating the space and opportunity for this should be prioritised
• That all children and young people deserve wonderful creative and cultural opportunities as they grow

About the role

This position will be providing coordination and leadership across the Extended Hours programs that focus on the afterhours delivery, a youth steering group, a youth voices and film project, family nights and a family wellbeing communications initiative.

The extended hours program will support the wellbeing and engagement of children, young people and families through a diverse range of activities, including after-hours school and youth programs, weekend and school holiday activities, including cultural camps, family-based events that celebrate culture and achievements, and creating spaces that foster safety, healing, connection and empowerment.

The aim is to celebrate our children and young people, to provide them with fabulous opportunities, and to foster community cohesion, nurture connection to culture, strengthening of identity, and personal development in children and young people, while supporting broader family and community wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support and guidance in program planning and delivery to ensure high-quality execution.
• Act as a dynamic, passionate, and empathetic leader for program participants, staff, and local stakeholders.
• Support the Head of Extended Hours Program in ensuring local program participants serve as key strategic advisors in program development and delivery.
• Uphold the cultural, ethical, and corporate social responsibility of Children's Ground.
• Meet regularly with local First Nations people and Elders to discuss local aspirations and inform the direction of the program and its activities
• Support a comprehensive extended hours program for all CG communities in Central Australia, aligning with both regional and community plans including After Hours Program, School Holiday Program, Community/Family Nights and Bush Camps