Pre School Field Officer

**Help ensure children & their families are valued & meaningfully included in kindergarten.**:

- **Hybrid WFH opportunity role for a qualified & experienced early childhood teacher.**:

- **VECTEA Level 1 Advisor + increased take-home pay with salary packaging benefits.**

**Your new role**:
At Uniting Early Learning, we have a range of programs to support children’s development and well-being. We have a special focus on the inclusion of vulnerable children and children with severe disabilities and additional needs.

As a Preschool Field Officer, you will be part of the team that promotes and supports inclusion in Victorian government-funded kindergarten programs in South Melbourne (Glen Eira, Port Phillip and Stonnington LGAs)

You will build capacity in Early Childhood Teachers and their teaching teams to create an environment where all children are valued, experience a sense of belonging, and are encouraged to reach their full potential in all areas of development.

Some of your key responsibilities include:

- Assisting in planning and developing teaching strategies to encourage the participation of children with additional needs.
- Providing support, resources, and information to early childhood professionals, to enable the successful inclusion of children with additional needs.
- Supporting family-centered practices by offering information or advice on children’s developmental stages and needs, resources, and access to service options to parents and educators.
- Providing a coordinated service to children and families through working cooperatively with other specialist services and early childhood professionals.

**What’s on offer.**:
Permanent Part Time - 4 days per week (0.8) opportunity to be part of a team that shares a passion for the work we do and understands the strength of collaboration to work on challenges and get the best outcomes.

Hybrid and flexible work environment. We focus on outputs and deliverables and are set up to work remotely or from any Uniting office location.

You will receive a comprehensive induction and ongoing mentoring, access to professional development, and connection through established processes and touchpoints.

In addition to a base salary of $119,864.16 (VECTEA Level 1 Advisor) and superannuation, you’ll have the ability to increase your take-home pay by accessing up to $15,900 in salary packaging benefits.

There is the option to increase your annual leave entitlements through our purchased leave program and you will have access to paid parental leave for up to 10 weeks. You can also receive a 60% discount on the childcare subsidy gap fee when using a Uniting Early Learning service or centre.

**Benefits of working at Uniting**:
Our work isn’t easy, but it matters. Work with people who care as much as you.

In addition to your **salary + super**, you can access the following.
- Access salary packaging to increase take-home pay.
- Need extra time off? Buy additional leave to increase annual leave
- Enjoy a 10% discount at Uniting Early Learning, or 60% for centre staff
- Up to 10 weeks paid parental leave for primary caregivers (4 for secondary).
- Free counselling with our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Access training and development opportunities to help you grow.
- We value diversity and lived experiences. Access support via work groups.
- We recognise contributions with our annual awards programme
- Our people are central - access leadership development.
- Uniting offers up to 15 days paid leave for domestic violence support.
- Opt in or out of public holidays, be respected for your unique background.

**Your skills and experience**:
You value a holistic approach to reducing the barriers to inclusion and work best in a collaborative culture. You are a strong problem solver and understand the importance of being adaptable in your thinking, considered, and consultative to get the best result.

You will also bring:

- A Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) or equivalent. Additional qualifications in Special Education would be an advantage.
- Extensive knowledge and experience in implementing high-quality, inclusive early childhood education and care programs in 3 and 4-year-old-funded kindergartens.
- A commitment to participate in ongoing reflective practice through supervision and team discussions.
- Be open to ongoing mentoring to support the development of your practice and ability to build capacity within our early childhood community.

View the position description.

**How to apply**:
If you’ve questions about the opportunity, please contact Nerida Mellerick, Senior Preschool Field Officer on 0422 071 718 during business hours.

**About Uniting**:
At Uniting we are passionate about working together to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We have a 5,000 strong workforce of employees and volunteers who deliver a diverse range of services across Victoria and Tasmania.