BACKGROUND
North Sydney Community Centre is a not for profit, community based and managed organisation. The Centre operates from a sustainable building provided by North Sydney Council. The Centre runs Explorers Playgroup for under 5s, After School Care for 7-12 year olds, a diverse adult learning program, art exhibitions, weekend workshops, venue hire and the twice-monthly Northside Produce Market.
North Sydney Community Centre’s Explorer's Playgroup provides creative play sessions for Under 5s, spread across three light-filled rooms and a beautiful playground. Explorer’s Playgroup is open Monday – Thursdays 10am-12.30pm and attracts 40-100 children each morning, accompanied by parents, grandparents and carers. Experienced play leaders set up a wide range of activities to suit the needs of children, with an emphasis on child-initiated play supervised by a parent or carer in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Each session there is team of one Playgroup Coordinator/ Assistant Coordinator, two Playgroup Assistants and a volunteer(s).
PLAYGROUP ASSISTANT - POSITION DESCRIPTION
Hours of Work: 5 -10 hours per week (casual) Mon - Thurs, 9am-2pm during school terms, generally one or two shifts with flexibility to work additional days if required
Hourly rate: $27.64 per hour in accordance with the SCHCDS Award
Reporting: This position reports directly to the Playgroup Coordinator / Assistant Coordinator.
As part of the Playgroup team this role requires you to work harmoniously and respectfully as part of a small group of playgroup staff, the community of playgroup members, and staff of North Sydney Community Centre. The applicant needs to have a range of qualities in order to be able to fulfil this diverse, fun and demanding role. In addition to the key attributes listed below, the successful applicant must have a love of children and a desire to interact with people of all ages and nationalities.
Creativity
You must be creative! You will need to demonstrate creativity in setting up activities appropriate to a range of age groups. You must have a willingness to lead a singing and reading session with children. There are indoor and outdoor activities such as painting and collage, puzzles and play dough, water & sand play, group singing & music, reading time, dramatic play and fine motor skills activities.
Compassion
Attending a playgroup gives parents the opportunity to meet others who are experiencing similar joys, frustrations and challenges allowing them to form lifelong friendships and support.
Our Playgroup assistants are welcoming and compassionate. You must have the ability and desire to interact with a broad cross section of the community.
Physically fit
You must be physically fit and strong, with enough stamina to be active throughout the day (i.e. standing for 5 hours, moving furniture). Many of the activities require some physical effort, for example carrying easels, moving riding cars, carrying items, cleaning, moving tables and chairs.
Flexible
You need to be flexible and adaptable to a changing environment as the pace of work varies during the day and depending on the age of children. The nature of the casual drop-In arrangement means you need to be prepared for fluctuating numbers of children.
Organised
Whilst playgroup is lots of fun there is a well-established schedule for ensuring the day runs smoothly. This enables all activities to be ready when kids arrive, and for staff to leave on time after pack up. Playgroup is packed up at the end of each session to allow After School Care to take place and all rooms are left clean and tidy. You must have the ability to prioritise and multi-task.
Communication
Playgroup relies on good communication between all part-time coordinators and staff, as well as playgroup members and Centre staff. You must be sensitive to staff and volunteers with special needs. Conflict resolution skills are occasionally required to manage issues that may arise between children and carers.
Indicators of Performance
Desirable
Please send your application addressing the above criteria and your CV with 2 references to: director@northsydneycentre.com.au
Note: If you haven’t heard from us after two weeks you have not been short listed for an interview. We apologise that we are unable to respond to all candidates.
