About the role

A unique opportunity exists to lead the implementation of the Infant Mental Health elements of an Education and Care Program. This is a key leadership and advanced practice role, contributing specialist infant mental health knowledge and skills to the curriculum and pedagogy implemented by the teachers and educators. It is a collaborative endeavor, involving expertise, inquiry, and critical reflection.

Council has been identified as one of two ‘Safe Haven’ sites funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Training to deliver the Early Years Education and Kindergarten program at our new site located at the Rowan View Children’s Services in Wendouree. 

The model targets children aged birth to three years growing up with severe family stress and social disadvantage. The immediate objective of the model is that children living with significant adversity will experience a stable and enriching early learning program and enter school as confident and successful learners who are developmentally equal to their peers. 

 We are currently seeking a passionate and committed professional to:

• Conduct infant mental health assessments
• Support teachers and educators to build collaborative partnerships with families
• Work closely with the leadership team to ensure fidelity to the model and in the implementation of a trauma informed, attachment focused program for children
• Provide specialist advice and information on infant mental health

About you

This is a challenging and extremely rewarding part time, fixed term position until June 2026 suiting an experienced early years professional who preferably has knowledge of trauma informed practice attachment theory and established professional networks and who has:  

• a Bachelor’s degree in a mental health discipline (social work, occupational therapy, speech pathology or another relevant field) with additional training, qualification and experience in infant and child mental health.
• Relevant additional qualifications in the areas of family therapy, psychology, psychiatric nursing and/or early childhood development would be an advantage.
• a strong interest in a multidisciplinary approach and commitment to addressing the early years needs of the children and families
• ability to work within a team of early year professional
• strong communication and relationship building skills to foster and sustain partnerships with
• ability to motivate and support staff to achieve desired outcomes

Your previous experience working with vulnerable communities within a child-centred, trauma informed, family-focused framework supported by an understanding of and respect for diverse social and cultural values and attitudes in relation to caring for children will see you succeed in this rewarding role.

Next steps 

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button and submit your application. The closing date for this position is 11.59pm Monday 27 March 2023.  Please ensure that you provide a cover letter, current resume and a response to the screening questions based on the key selection criteria.

For any additional questions, please contact Susan Martin, Coordinator Rowan View Children’s Service on 0408 304 705 .

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

The City of Ballarat is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to providing a safe and inclusive working environment that embraces and values child safety, diversity and flexibility. We welcome applications from all walks of life and celebrate the diversity and richness this brings to our workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from people living with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people, young people, older people, women, and people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer.  We support flexible and accessible working arrangements for all and are committed to ensuring that all jobs in our workforce can be performed flexibly. If you're short listed for a role and are looking for flexibility, we encourage you to start the flexible working conversation with the hiring manager to find out what options may be possible for the role you're applying for.