About the Organisation

Aurukun Shire Council plays a crucial role in leading the community and addressing the needs of its residents. The Council works closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local businesses, to improve service delivery and create opportunities for the community it serves.

Key focus areas for the Aurukun Shire Council include community safety, governance, economic development, and preservation of cultural identity, environmental management, postal services and child care provision.

Initiatives are developed and implemented in consultation with community members, ensuring their active participation and ownership. The Council strives to empower community members, promote self-determination, and build a sustainable and prosperous future for Aurukun.

About the Role

This role is residential and based in Aurukun.

The Early Childhood Coordinator role aims to improve pathways and connections families experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage to access early childhood education, health and development services. The Early childhood coordinator will work closely to support agencies; parent/caregivers to achieve better outcomes for children ages from birth to eight years. This position will effectively facilitate coordination of the Early Years programs and services to deliver high-quality, responsive early childhood services in line with Department of Education guidelines.

Key Accountabilities

Facilitate and support access to, and participation in early childhood education and

care services (i.e. maternal child health; playgroup, long day care, Kindergarten, pre-

Prep and Prep) in Aurukun. This includes identifying and reducing barriers; connecting

parents/carers with other support services.

Strengthen and maintain strong partnerships with healthcare providers, child and

family and social services, and educational institutions to create a comprehensive

support network and a shared model of service for families (enabling ongoing support

for parents). Including:

o Community-Centred Approach: Develop and implement a community-centred model that places families and children at the heart of service provision.

o Integrated Service Delivery: Coordinate and integrate health, education, and social services to provide holistic support for children and families.

o Community Engagement: Actively engage local Indigenous families in planning and implementing early childhood programs to ensure cultural relevance and acceptance.

o Workforce: Identify and report on gaps. Facilitate opportunities and activities that support the training and development of local staff, focusing on increasing the number of qualified local professionals in early childhood education.

o Early Intervention: Develop shared care early detection and intervention strategies to support children with developmental vulnerabilities, ensuring timely and appropriate support.

o Outcome Measurement: Establish clear metrics for success and regularly evaluate program effectiveness, using data to drive continuous improvement.

o Digital Integration: Leverage digital platforms and telehealth services to enhance service accessibility and delivery, particularly for remote areas.

o Sustainable Partnerships: Build and maintain strong partnerships with local, state, and national organisations to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of joined up early childhood programs.

Child Safety and Wellbeing: The position adheres to all relevant policies and procedures to protect children from harm.

Convene early childhood/hub reference group.

Adherence to Council’s policies and Workplace Health and Safety regulations.

Manage and monitor funding for programs in liaison with Director of Community Services including the submission of regular reports.

Maintain appropriate confidentiality and comply with the mandatory reporting obligations under the Child Protection Act 1999.

Selection Criteria

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Early Childhood Education, teaching, social work or a related discipline.

Demonstrated experience in early childhood services, with an ability to actively work across existing child, family or community services, supported playgroups and services/agencies to deliver appropriate holistic service responses. (I.e. mentoring, developing and implementing integrated early childhood education and care service delivery models to deliver high quality outcomes).

Demonstrated strong leadership and program management skills.

Demonstrated ability to use data for program evaluation and continuous improvement

Excellent communication, interpersonal negotiation, influencing and networking skills. High level of ability to interact sensitively and effectively when working with early childhood professionals, children, young people and families.

Proficiency in using digital platforms and telehealth services.

Working knowledge of legislation, departmental programs, policies and best practice activities

Positive Blue Card (working with children check)

Current manual c class drivers licence

High level verbal and written communication skills demonstrated by the ability to relate well to all people, work as part of a team and to maintain accurate records.

effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, with ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Indigenous people.

Benefits

Joining ASC means becoming part of an organisation with strong cultural values with a focus on providing exceptional services to, and for, the community. You will be offered;

A salary of $90,000 - $100,000 per annum including superannuation and allowances. Some overtime at penalty rates may be available

Subsidised accommodation provided for imported employees

5 weeks annual leave, 8 Days Isolation Leave per year

2 return flights per year to Cairns from Aurukun in accordance with Council policy

Relocation expenses in accordance with Council policy

Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

How to apply

Applications which include Cover Letter addressing the Selection Criteria and Resume with contactable referees can be sent to;

HR Manager

Aurukun Shire Council

E: [email protected]

M: 0418 387 516

Applications close 4pm Friday 20 June 2025

Shortlisting for this position will begin immediately.

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in Australia.

Appointment to this position is subject to a satisfactory National Police Check.