Child Development Specialist

Cool4School is a program supporting primary school children to enhance their self-regulation skills and improve their engagement in education. 

54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation – no ordinary not-for-profit.  

Proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement, we’re here to make sure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive, in all their diversity.

With the child’s voice at the centre, we provide quality services to children and their caregivers in every state and territory, and across regions, remote areas and capital cities. From our programs to our support services - this is the place to realise your purpose. 

A place to make a difference:

In this part-time (15.2 hours per week), maximum-term role (ending 30 June 2027) you’ll work as part of our Children and Parenting programs in Circular Head, located at Smithton Primary School to help us create lasting change for primary school aged children.

You will make a difference by:

• Supporting children to engage positively in education
• Facilitating child focused activities that support the emotional and social development of primary school aged children
• Empowering children to understand and harness their emotions within the school setting, strengthening their connection to education
• Collecting and recording data and information for accountability, evaluation, and reporting

A place to feel valued:

Your deep expertise in child development and social and emotional regulation programs will be invaluable. You’re someone who connects well with children, demonstrates strong social and emotional support skills and takes the time to reflect on and improve your practice.

This role requires

• Demonstrated skills, knowledge, understanding and experience working with primary school aged children
• Understanding of relevant Federal and State child protection legislation
• Demonstrated experience in using trauma informed practice
• Strong understanding of best practice in the fields of early intervention, child protection, domestic and family violence and early childhood
• Degree/ Diploma in Children’s Services or equivalent qualification, or significant relevant experience. 

A place to belong: 

At 54 reasons, we invest in the development and wellbeing of our people. Our workforce is approximately 600 people strong, and proudly diverse, whether in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures and beliefs.

It takes all types of people to do the challenging work we do. We are diverse personalities, backgrounds and talents, embracing our differences as one strong and united team. We see and celebrate the unique value you bring to our organisation, and offer a range of rewards for your effort, including: 

• Award rate salary (currently Level 4.1 at $44.58 per hour) plus access full PBI salary packaging benefits - use this link to see how much this benefit could mean to you!
• Individual learning plans to help map and deliver on your career development 
• Internal employment and development opportunities 
• Support for workplace wellness, including access to our free, confidential Employee Wellbeing Program 
• Celebrate and feel supported in your diversity. We have a highly inclusive culture and diverse workforce reflecting the communities we serve, allowing you to bring your whole self to work (if that’s what you want!).

Follow this link for the full list of our employee benefits. 

Does this sound like the place for you? 

We’d love to hear from you. Submit your cover letter and resume below. 

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

Applications Close: 15^th June 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they come in, so don’t delay in applying!

Position Description: Child Development Specialist – Cool4School, Smithton

For more information about this position, please contact Amanda Midgley on 0436 445 344 or amanda.midgley@54reasons.org.au Or for more information about a career at Save, visit our Careers Page.  

We have tested our application process with diverse groups in mind, with the intent to ensure its straightforward and accessible for all to apply. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our culture and improve our ability to reach our most vulnerable client groups. But we also know there is no one-size fits-all when it comes to recruitment - so if we didn’t quite hit the mark for you, please let us know at people.culture@savethechildren.org.au. We’re dedicated to ensuring Save the Children Australia is a place where everyone can feel supported – no matter your race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, neurodiversity, culture and beliefs. 

Save the Children Australia is a child-safe organisation. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check, and sign our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. We also support the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

Save the Children is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for its employees and client groups, consistent with our obligations under OH&S legislation.

If you are having any issues with uploading your application for this role, please contact people.culture@savethechildren.org.au for further support.