OSHC Educator

The organisation:

The Uniting Church in Australia (the Church) is a large uniquely Australian Christian denomination in Australia with heritage from historical reformed evangelical denominations. In Queensland, the Uniting Church has around 250 congregations and has schools, colleges and large community services (such as UnitingCare Queensland and Wesley Mission Queensland). The Uniting Church is multicultural, committed to reconciliation with First Peoples, calls for reconciliation across its communities and aims to use its people and property resources wisely and in the furtherance of God's mission in the world.

Position purpose:

The purpose of this role is to assist with the implementation of a quality care and education OSHC program for school aged children outside school hours and vacation times. This position is a Vacation care main based.

Key responsibilities:

• Assist and contribute to the planning, documenting and implementation of quality play-based early childhood education program within the My Time, Our Place Framework (MTOP) that shows each individual child's learning and growth.
• Assist in ensuring an engaging, safe and aesthetic learning environment based on the knowledge of the child, children, MTOP and National Quality Standards (NQS) is presented and maintained.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with fellow educators to support each other's professional development and to utilise a variety of teaching strategies, including intentional teaching, reflective practice and continuous improvement that provides quality education and care of children.
• Build and maintain strong, positive communication and relationships with families and children, supporting meaningful engagement and parent participation, maintaining professional boundaries.
• Support commitment to inclusion and access to a quality early childhood education program for all children and families, treating all children and families with dignity and respect.
• Positively guide children's behaviour and encourage children to interact with others with care, empathy, kindness and respect.
• Develop a working understanding of relevant legislation, frameworks, policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure the service meets all compliance obligations.
• Exemplify personal drive and integrity, taking personal responsibility for meeting objectives, showing initiative and committing energy to achieving goals, showing resilience and professional conduct under pressure and scrutiny.
• Model the values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod in day to day work including in interactions with managers, lay staff, ministry agents, clients and stakeholders.
• Identify and develop strategies to provide internal and external client focused customer service including identifying improvements to policy, process and the work environment.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of relevant Child Protection Law matters applicable to the jurisdiction and proactively respond to child protection matters.
• Work within the Code of Conduct and other policies and procedures of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety and other relevant legislation, including reporting hazards/incidents, support for injured workers and full participation in return to work plans.
• Undertake other duties as and when directed within the scope of the role and the capabilities of the incumbent.

Role Duties:

• Assist in preparing and executing the educational program, including the set up and pack up away equipment, experiences and activities and effective supervision of children.
• Engage children in participation of the outdoor/indoor educational activities.
• Where food is provided, assist with food preparation, ensuring food safe practices are followed.
• Participate in all care and education duties required with all children at the service, including, but not limited to:
• welcoming parents and children to the centre
• responding and supporting children's emotional needs
• promoting and developing secure relationships
• serving and assisting children during mealtimes
• Undertake general cleaning tasks to maintain overall cleanliness of the room and service including, but not limited to:
• sweeping/vacuuming floors
• mopping floors
• wiping tables
• cleaning toilets
• Comply with all lawful instructions provided by management, the Church policy and procedures, National Law and National Regulations.

Qualifications:

• Approved School Aged Certificate III or 1-year qualification as approved by ACECQA (or working towards qualification) (Required)

Experience and skills:

• Ability to support and assist the implementation of a planned program, ensuring the needs of individual children and the group are met.
• Working ability to document observations and assess children's learning behaviour and development.
• Working knowledge of theories and practice relevant to early childhood education and of the provision of a safe, engaging and well planned indoor and outdoor learning environment.
• Demonstrated or developing experience in providing practical guidance and interaction that ensures quality outcomes for children.
• Ability to support each child's needs and to guide children's behaviour in a positive way and encourage children to interact with other with care empathy and respect.
• Demonstrated or developing initiative and strong sense of personal responsibility for meeting objectives and management health and safety risks.
• A strong understanding of My Time, Our Place Framework and National Quality Standards.
• Ability and willingness to work within the Philosophy, Policies and Procedures of The Uniting Church in Australia.
• Service: personable with a commitment to building and maintaining strong relationships with children, families, key stakeholders/customers across the Church and its agencies, boards and committees of the Synod.
• Responsibility: demonstrated ability to clearly, effectively and confidentially communicate orally and in writing with other educators, children, families and clients, whilst managing competing views.
• Respect: demonstrated ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing with others and manage competing views.
• Integrity: professional and ethical behaviour, demonstrates an attitude of acceptance and respect for all children and their families, with an ability to act with impartiality, honesty, operate flexibly and use effective teamwork skills.
• Commitment to working within the purpose and values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and adhering to the policies, organisational requirements and processes.

Additional requirements:

• Current Drivers Licence – (Desirable)
• Suitability Card for Child Related Employment (Blue Card) – All adults who work with people under 18 years in Queensland are required to undergo a "Working with Children Check" under the screening provisions of the Commission for Children and Young People Act Presentation of a current Suitability Card must be made before appointment to the position can be confirmed.
• Position requires flexibility of hours as the OSHC is open between 6:30am to 6:30pm during term and vacation times. Some travel may be required, as necessary.
• Hold current First Aid, CPR and Asthma & Anaphylaxis certification.
• Work within the Early Childhood Association (ECA) Code of Ethics.
• The successful applicant must be eligible to legally work in Australia and proof of eligibility may be requested.

Vacation care shift base. Occasionally a BSC or ASC shift.