First 5 Forever Project Officer

Mackay Regional Council; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 78,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

Salary sacrificing options

Study assistance program

Learning and career development

Employee Assistance Program

Employee health and wellbeing

Job summary

Mackay Regional Council’s Libraries team seeks a First 5 Forever Project Officer to develop and deliver early childhood literacy programs for children aged 0-5 years, and to empower families as their child’s first teachers.

You will lead Baby Bounce, Story Time and related initiatives, build partnerships with educators, health professionals and community organisations, and report on outcomes to meet funding requirements.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education, Librarianship (childhood specialisation) or related field.
• Current Working with Children Blue Card.
• Current Queensland C Class Driver Licence.
• Experience with language and literacy development in children aged 0-5 years.
• Experience delivering early childhood programs.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication.
• Experience developing partnerships with community and government stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging early childhood programs and events for 0-5 year olds.
• Develop, implement, promote and evaluate literacy-based initiatives.
• Build partnerships with early childhood educators, health professionals and organisations.
• Research community needs to support responsive service delivery.
• Coordinate reference groups and support project objectives.
• Monitor budgets and resources for the program.
• Prepare reports and evaluate outcomes per funding requirements.
• Deliver training and support to library staff involved in First 5 Forever activities.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Excellent verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Partnership development

Education

Tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education or Librarianship (with childhood specialisation)

Job description

Do you have a passion for supporting children and families during the most important years of a child's development? Join our Libraries team and help create positive literacy and learning experiences that inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning.

As the First 5 Forever Project Officer, you'll develop and deliver engaging early childhood literacy programs, build strong community partnerships, and help local families access the resources and support they need to give children the best possible start in life. This role is focused on improving language and literacy outcomes for children aged 0-5 years while empowering parents and caregivers as their child's first and most important teacher.

About the Role

Reporting to the Young People's Services Librarian, you will be responsible for coordinating and promoting the First 5 Forever program across the Mackay Region. You'll deliver engaging programs and events, work collaboratively with community stakeholders, and contribute to the ongoing success of this important literacy initiative.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging early childhood programs and events, including Baby Bounce and Story Time.
• Develop, implement, promote and evaluate literacy-based programs and initiatives for children aged 0-5 years.
• Build and maintain partnerships with early childhood educators, health professionals and community organisations.
• Research and analyse community needs and demographics to support responsive service delivery.
• Coordinate reference groups and support First 5 Forever project objectives.
• Monitor budgets and resources associated with the program.
• Prepare reports and evaluate outcomes in line with funding requirements.
• Deliver training and support to library staff involved in First 5 Forever activities.
• Provide high-quality customer service and assist with front-of-house library duties.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education, Librarianship (with childhood specialisation), or a related field.
• Current Working with Children Blue Card.
• Current Queensland "C" Class Driver Licence (or interstate equivalent).
• Experience working with children, preferably in language and literacy development.
• Experience delivering early childhood programs and projects for children aged 0-5 years.
• Strong project management, planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience developing partnerships and working collaboratively with community and government stakeholders.
• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning principles.
• Knowledge of government guidelines, funding programs and grants relevant to service delivery.

Why Join MRC?

• Base annual salary of $86,710
• Up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply).
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks' annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• 9-day fortnight roster (Any 5 out of 7 may apply).
• May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
• Study and assistance programs for career development.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active Social Clubs.

Important information for applicants:

To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia, Your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.

Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage willbe required to undergo a pre-employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre-Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing)

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.