Supported Playgroup Facilitator

• Permanent Part-Time Position (24 hours per week over four days per week).
  
• Band 5 $39.01 - $44.54 per hour plus superannuation.

About the role:

An exciting opportunity exists for a passionate individual to join the Family, Youth and Children’s Services team as a Supported Playgroup Facilitator.

This role will support the delivery of inclusive, engaging and developmentally appropriate supported playgroup sessions for children and families across Ballarat. Working closely with families, community partners and early years services, you will help create safe, welcoming environments where children can learn through play and parents and carers can build confidence, connection and capacity.

About Supported Playgroups:

Supported Playgroups funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and delivered by the City of Ballarat, provide a targeted early years program for eligible families with children from birth to school age who may benefit from additional support. The model combines regular group-based play sessions with relationship-based family support, helping parents and carers strengthen positive interactions with their children, build confidence in their parenting role and connect with local services and community supports.

The program incorporates smalltalk, an evidence-based set of strategies and resources developed to support children’s learning and development through everyday parent-child interactions. Facilitators embed smalltalkwithin playgroup sessions by modelling practical ideas such as talking, listening, reading together, following the child’s lead, creating teachable moments and using everyday routines to support learning at home.

Where appropriate, families may also be supported through in-home coaching, enabling facilitators to work alongside parents and carers in the home environment to practice smalltalk strategies in ways that are practical, culturally responsive and relevant to each family’s daily life. This approach supports children’s early learning, strengthens parent-child relationships and helps families feel more connected, capable and supported.

What does my new role entail?

As the Supported Playgroup Facilitator, you will:

• Plan, set up and facilitate supported playgroup sessions for eligible families.
• Deliver developmentally appropriate play experiences aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
• Incorporatesmalltalk resources and strategies into group sessions and in-home learning opportunities.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children, parents and carers from diverse backgrounds.
• Support families to access parenting information, early years programs, community supports and referral pathways.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, community agencies and family support services.
• Maintain accurate records, attendance data and required documentation.
• Contribute to playgroup events, service promotion and ongoing program improvement.
• Ensure playgroups operate in line with relevant safety, policy and funding requirements.

About you:

To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong understanding of child development, parenting and family support, along with experience working directly with young children and families.

You will be a confident facilitator who can create welcoming, inclusive and culturally appropriate environments. You will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage families in a sensitive, respectful and non-judgemental way.

You will also bring:

• A minimum Diploma-level qualification in children’s services, social work or equivalent.
• Experience planning and delivering early years programs for children and families.
• Knowledge of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
• The ability to work collaboratively with community agencies and service providers.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Competence using Microsoft Office 365 and maintaining accurate records.
• A current Victorian driver licence.
• A valid Working with Children Check.

Training in the smalltalk program will be provided during employment.

If you are passionate about supporting children and families, strengthening parent-child relationships and helping families connect with their community, we would love to hear from you.

Be Part of Something More:

Join us in making a real difference to the lives within our community. Working for City of Ballarat you will be part of a team that values honesty, transparency and accountability in everything we do. We believe in the importance of valuing every Individual and working together to support the community. Together we create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and make a positive impact.

To Apply:

To apply for this position please click on the apply button and submit your application. The closing date for this position is Sunday 16 August 2026.

Please ensure that you provide a cover letter, current resume and answer the key selection criteria.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo a full employment medical and police check.

Contact:

For further information on the above position, contact Samee Kick, Team Leader Playgroups, on [email protected] or 0407218136.

At the City of Ballarat, we celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive, flexible workplace where everyone feels welcome. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply. If you need any support during the recruitment process, reach out to us at peopleandculture@ballarat.vic.gov.au

We’re proud to be a child-safe organisation, committed to protecting children and young people from harm. Our culture promotes their safety and wellbeing, and we require all successful candidates to undergo relevant screening, including a Working with Children Check and criminal history check.