The position will work with the Kempsey Early Childhood Education (ECE) Project Officer and be responsible for the delivery of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Project. The position will work with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure the objectives of the program are reached.

The ECE Linker will engage with a range of Early Childhood Education providers, stakeholders within communities, with a focus on children aged 3-6 years of age who have not yet enrolled in preschool and are considered at risk in the Macleay and Nambucca Valleys.

The ECE Linker will:

• Working in collaboration with existing programs within Durri ACMS as well as external service providers and organisations
• Support access to Early Childhood Education (ECE) services, with the aim of these enrolments being for a minimum of 600 hours per calendar year,
• Support participation in ECE Services by sustaining attendance,
• Ensure that all children enrolled into ECE have received appropriate developmental checks at a minimum as outlined in the NSW Health Blue Book and/or as appropriate for the child,
• Work with the ECE Project Officer and Programs Manager to develop a mechanism to identify how children are entering school to better understand where a child is developmentally by the time, they start school, and
• Build upon the professional knowledge of ECE educators to support children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage in their educational setting.

Selection Criteria:

Essential

1. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational requirement of this position, exemptions claimed under Section 14D of the Anti-Discrimination Act. NSW 1977.
2. Excellent communication skills, the ability to connect with people, to understand their issues and sensitively deal with difficult issues
3. Demonstrated ability to develop good working relationships with staff and other key stakeholders at all levels, act with discretion and always maintain confidentiality.
4. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and within a multi-disciplinary team, to deal with client matters of a sensitive and confidential nature and to respond to competing organisational demands
5. Experience working with health service agencies, non-government organisation, schools, community groups and medical professionals at all levels
6. Demonstrated ability to work flexibly within tight time schedules and in accordance with variable workload demands
7. Ability to use Microsoft products and the ability to use or willingness to gain proficiency in the Communicare patient information management system and DEX
8. Ability to hold all relevant security clearances including National Police Check and Working with Children clearance
9. Current First Aid Certificate, or ability to obtain
10. Current immunisations or willingness to participate in staff immunisation program.
11. Current valid driver’s license, minimum of Class “C” or equivalent

Core Competencies –

1. Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with the local community.
2. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to demonstrate empathy when required.
3. Ability to build relationships with all levels of the organisation