Explorers Playgroup Assistant

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

• Positive relationship with Playgroup and Centre staff
• Positive feedback from carers
• Engagement and interaction with children and carers
• Smooth, safe and efficient running of Playgroup
• Ensure the Playgroup environment is safe and welcoming

Required Skills & Experience

• Working with Children Check and Police Check
• Ability to lead Singalong and Storytime
• Highly developed relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Ability and willingness to work harmoniously in a small team as well as independently
• Capacity to engage and communicate with people across all ages, cultural and socio-economic background or with a physical or intellectual disability
• Manage sign in table and process registration and payments
• Physical fitness and high level of energy
• Language and confidence skills to meet and greet participants professionally

Desirable

• First Aid Certificate