Early Childhood Education Specialist

 Apply for any of our Allied Health roles by the 31st December and if successful you will receive a $2000 sign on bonus. This is an active recruitment campaign and applications are being reviewed and shortlisted for interview as they are received. This means that the advertisement may be withdrawn prior to the end date.

Are you an Early Childhood Education Specialist / Key Worker looking for a new opportunity with an amazing team of allied health and early childhood educators? Do you enjoy working with families to support consumers build independence and achieve goals?

Perhaps you are looking to move away from the hustle and bustle of a busy healthcare or private practice environment, and prefer the opportunity to spend increased time with consumers and families to have a meaningful impact, then read on. At Windermere we value the importance of teamwork and contributing to a strong, supportive learning environment that provides the best service to our families.

Our philosophy of "supporting children to build a positive future" acknowledges the importance of high-quality early intervention. Our team embed a parent coaching approach, recognising the strengths and skills that parents and carers already have, working collaboratively to ensure strategies and learning continue to occur outside of sessions as we work towards identified goals. Watch the video to see our Parent Coaching Approach in action  Our psychology team also work with consumers into adulthood. 

If this sounds like what you are seeking, then please keep reading as this may be the perfect opportunity for you

We are currently seeking a permanent full-time ECES to join the Early Intervention Therapy Services (EITS) team servicing Southeast Melbourne. As an ECES, you will utilise the Key Worker model to provide a range of targeted early childhood therapy services to children aged 0-7 years. Your core focus will include:

• Provide quality transdisciplinary Early Childhood Intervention (Key Worker) services to children aged 0 to 9 and their families
• working in partnership with families in the natural environment to encourage children's active participation in everyday routines;
• helping children to learn new skills by developing meaningful goals and providing strategies that are comprehensive and well-planned;
• delivering flexible and personalised therapy that is fundamental to children's specific needs, and
• aiding consumers to navigate complex service systems to identify appropriate information and support. 
• Provide supervision and support to students providing regular feedback on their performance.

This is a permanent, full time role (38 hours per week). 

Why work at Windermere? 

We know you are spoilt for choice in the vibrant Allied Health Space, but do you want to know why you should join Windermere?  It's our culture - 87% of our staff tell us they are proud to work at Windermere, with a team dedicated to supporting our consumers and each other.  Read what our staff are saying here

Our Allied Health Team consists of Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology and Early Intervention Key Worker Services

We provide individualised services to children and youth aged 0 -12 years who need support to reach key developmental milestones or have additional needs.   Our Allied Health team is made up of full time, part time, senior and graduate employees.

Windermere is committed to outcome-focused care for children, families and individuals and to making a positive difference in the community. As well as tailored support services for individuals and families, Windermere provides a varied scope of services to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

We are committed to outcome-focused care for children, families and individuals and to making a positive difference in the community. As well as tailored support services for individuals and families, Windermere provides a varied scope of services to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Windermere offers a culture of flexibility, support and wellbeing.

We know you are spoilt for choice in the vibrant Allied Health Space, but do you want to know why you should join Windermere? 

•    Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year + additional $2,650 meals and entertainment)

•    6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave, in addition to Government Funded Parental Leave Pay (PLP)

•    Staff Discount Program for everyday items e.g. groceries, movie tickets, health insurance and more

•    Employee Referral Program - $500 per referral

•    Professional Development, Study Leave and opportunities for career growth

•    Structured Performance Supervision

•    1-on-1 Professional Development check-ins

•    Reward & Recognition Program – become a Windermere All Star  

•    End of Year Awards Celebration – different theme each year

•    Flexible Ways of Working - office, outreach and home  

•    Above Award Personal Leave and 17.5% Annual Leave Loading

•    Gifted days off (between Christmas and New Year)

•    Flexible Leave Scheme (50/52, 51/52) - Purchase 1-2 weeks additional leave

•    Rostered Days Off or 9 Day Fortnight

•    Annual Wellbeing Leave Day – No reason needed, it's just for you

•    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Ceremonial Leave

•    High quality IT equipment

•    Access to Fleet Vehicles

*As Windermere is a not-for-profit organisation, employees are able to claim everyday living expenses up to $15,900 against their annual Pre-Tax Salary.  Use the salary packaging calculator available here - Salary Packaging Calculator | Accesspay - )

Windermere cares about staff and strive for continuous improvement, which is why we regularly ask our staff and consumers about what we can do better. n our staff survey from November 2024, 87% of respondents said they were "proud to work at Windermere" and 86.3% feel "we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion". Read more here

Key Selection Criteria

• Bachelor or Master's in Teaching, Social Work or equivalent and ongoing registration with relevant peak body
• Sound theoretical knowledge, ideally with a minimum of 2 years discipline specific clinical experience, with particular reference to paediatric practice 0-9 years
• Demonstrated knowledge of typical development and common conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down's Syndrome and developmental delay
• Knowledge and skills in the assessment, intervention and evaluation of services for children & families
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as work independently, including office based or remote off-site locations
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage use of time in a fast paced, complex service environment in order to meet service KPIs and provide a consumer-focused, high-quality and responsive service
• Ability to use a computer and all relevant technology
• Current Victorian Drivers' License
• VIT Registration
• Willingness to undertake relevant pre-employment screening and checks

If this opportunity excites you, then click the "Apply" button to view the detailed Position Description and submit your application or find out more about the $2000 sign on bonus. Please also be sure to address the Key Selection Criteria in your application letter.

If you require any specific access adjustments or support within the Windermere recruitment, interview or onboarding process please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist via phone or email

Windermere is committed to creating equitable environments for consumers and employees.  We do this by building diverse and inclusive services and workspaces, where all peoples from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ Communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated. Windermere is delivering this through the continued development and implementation of our Welcoming and Inclusion Strategy as we seek to provide a diverse workforce at all levels.