Assistant Coordinator for After School Care

Position Overview

The Assistant Coordinator and Educational Leader plays a pivotal role in aiding the OSHC Coordinator with the administration and execution of a premium Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) program. This position encompasses leading the educational initiatives, ensuring adherence to applicable regulations, and cultivating a secure, inclusive, and stimulating atmosphere for all school-aged children participating in the program.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development and Execution:

• Assist in the design, development, and execution of a varied and engaging OSHC program that caters to the needs and interests of all children.
• Lead and oversee educational activities, ensuring they are suitable for various age groups, engaging, and aligned with the educational objectives of the institution.
• Collaborate with educators to provide curriculum direction and support.
• Guide educators in effectively implementing the planning cycle to enhance programs and practices.
• Lead the formulation and execution of an impactful educational program within the service.
• Ensure that children’s learning and development are informed by the learning outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework and the My Time, Our Place Framework for School Age Care.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Offer leadership and direction to OSHC staff, fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Assist in the recruitment, training, and mentoring of new staff members.
• Contribute to regular team meetings and staff performance assessments.
• Manage staff to achieve desired outcomes, addressing issues with minimal escalation to senior management, except in complex situations.
• Act as the responsible person in charge during the OSHC Coordinator’s absence.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure all OSHC activities adhere to relevant regulations, including the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the National Law and Regulations.
• Maintain precise records and documentation, including attendance, incident reports, medical records, and health and safety evaluations.
• Implement and monitor safety protocols to guarantee a secure environment for children, staff, and visitors.

Family and Community Engagement:

• Encourage positive relationships with children, families, and the broader school community.
• Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers regarding their child’s progress, activities, and any concerns.
• Organize and engage in OSHC community events and activities that promote the OSHC service.

Continuous Improvement:

• Assess the effectiveness of the OSHC program and identify areas for enhancement.
• Contribute to the service’s Quality Improvement Plan.
• Stay updated on current trends and best practices in early childhood education and care.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

Qualifications and Experience:

• National Quality Framework approved qualification.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in OSHC or a comparable setting.
• Strong understanding of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Law and Regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Current First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis, and Asthma Management certifications.
• Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Key Competencies:

• Passion for working with children and supporting their development.
• Ability to develop and implement engaging educational programs.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Collaborative approach to team leadership and staff development.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and the school community.
• Ability to work independently.

Who May Apply

Individuals with the aptitude, experience, and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

EEO AND OHS Commitment

Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.

The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability, and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognizes that the provision of family-friendly, supportive, safe, and harassment-free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity, and safety across all schools and Department workplaces.

Child Safe Standards

Victorian government schools are child-safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards.

DE Values

The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership, and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviors the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools.

Other Information

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

Westgarth Primary School OSHC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children, fostered through responsive relationships, engaging experiences, and a safe and healthy environment that empowers children. We are committed to providing environments where children’s participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives.

We have zero tolerance of child abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns are listened to, treated seriously, and in a manner consistent with our policies and procedures. Legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are concerned about a child’s safety are followed rigorously.

We are committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risks early, and removing and reducing these risks. Westgarth Primary School OSHC has robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff and volunteers and we are committed to regularly training and educating our staff and volunteers on child abuse risks.

We are committed to promoting cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island children, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, international students, students with disabilities, those unable to live at home, children and young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) and other students experiencing risk or vulnerability.

We are committed to regularly reviewing our child safe practices, and seeking input from our students, families, staff, and volunteers to inform our ongoing strategies.

Conditions of Employment

• All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
• Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
• A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
• Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website.

Location Profile

Westgarth Primary School is located in the inner-city suburb of Northcote approximately eight kilometers north of the city. The school was founded in 1924 and is located on two adjacent sites. The Prep/1/2 classes and administration center are located at the Brooke Street site and the 3-6 classes and specialist facilities are at the Clarke Street site.

Buildings include refurbished open planned learning spaces, studio learning spaces, modular five portables, a kitchen garden center, STEM center, and an indoor gymnasium. School grounds include a kitchen garden, playgrounds at both sites, and areas for passive play and seating. There are approximately 540 students enrolled.

Our school values are:

• Respect: We appreciate diversity and the worth in others.
• Integrity: We aim to be consistently honest and trustworthy.
• Excellence (Being your best): We accept the challenge of new learning and always try our best.
• Working together: We work with others to achieve and promote the involvement and contribution of all.
• Responsibility: We recognize we are accountable for our actions towards ourselves, others, and the environment.

Our aim is to:

• Improve learning growth in literacy and numeracy.
• Empower all students as learners and leaders.
• Enhance student collaboration, inclusion, and positive relationships in a supportive community.

Our Focus is on:

• Excellence in teaching and learning - Building practice excellence / Curriculum planning and assessment / Evidence-based high impact teaching strategies.
• Professional leadership - Instructional and shared leadership / Vision, values, and culture.
• Positive climate for learning - Empowering students and building school pride / Intellectual engagement and self-awareness / Setting expectations and promoting inclusion.
• Community engagement in learning - Parents and carers as partners.