Play Helper - My Time Program - Extended Families Australia

This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of Extended Families Australia.

Organisation description

Extended Families Australia supports children and young people with disabilities by facilitating positive connections within their communities. They offer various programs, including the MyTime program, which provides peer support groups for parents and carers of children with disabilities.

Program Description

MyTime was established in 2007 and is funded by the Australian Department of Social Services (DSS) under the ‘Families and Children’ program. It is a national program of facilitated peer support groups for parents and carers of children with disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition (referred to from here on as ‘children with disability’).

The objective of MyTime is to establish and maintain peer support groups that increase parents/carers feelings of support in their caring role.

Position description

The Play Helper will plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate activities for preschool-age children during MyTime sessions, ensuring their safety and positive participation while their parents attend the support group.

• Engage children with fun, educational activities tailored to their developmental stages.
• Plan and prepare engaging routines and activities in advance.
• Oversee participation and manage group dynamics to keep children involved and interacting positively.
• Ensure safety by monitoring children and responding to any issues.
• Collaborate with the facilitator to coordinate and enhance session activities.

Locations

• Kings Park 3021 (45 Kings Road) – Tuesdays 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, and/or
• Point Cook 3030 (35 Windorah Drive) – Wednesdays 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Skills required

• Experience working with children, especially preschool age.
• Ability to plan and execute engaging activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Time required

• 2 hours for each session
• Total of 10 hours per school term for each location which is 5 sessions fortnightly.

Commitment required

• Willingness to complete Extended Families volunteer screening and orientation program and ongoing commitment to provide playgroup support during school terms.

Other requirements

• Valid Working with Children Check

Benefits volunteers will get from this role

• Opportunity to gain experience working with children in a supportive environment.
• Build connections within the community.
• Contribute to a national program supporting families of children with disabilities.