Early Childhood Coordinator Position Description
Position Title: Early Childhood Coordinator
Division: Early Childhood Services
Reporting to: Early Childhood Services Team Leader
About Northcott
Northcott is a not-for-profit disability service provider that works with customers to realise their potential. As one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit disability service organisations, we provide services from metropolitan and regional locations throughout NSW and the ACT. We have more than 90 years of experience and expertise in the disability service industry. A registered NDIS provider, we employ close to over 2,500 staff and provide empowering, personalised services to over 13,500 people with disability, their families and carers each year.
What do we do?
Northcott provides personalised and dynamic support, delivered by a committed team who will optimise and maximise support and services for every customer. Our experience and expertise gives confidence to our customers they are in good, trustworthy hands, while our commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries allows us to tackle any challenge currently creating barriers for our customers to reach their potential. Northcott’s diverse range of service offerings and strong community partnerships gives customers easy access to the supports they need or want through a single gateway from our many locations.
What is our promise to each customer?
We will work creatively and relentlessly with each customer to unlock, discover and unleash their potential, supporting and empowering them to be the best they can be now and in the future. Our customers are not numbers, they are unique individuals. We personalise our services to each customer’s current and future needs and goals, every single one, to ensure their development and growth. As advocates for our customer’s inclusion, we will empower them with confidence, choice and opportunity so they can live their life, as they choose, in their own way.
Objective of the service/department
The NDIS Partners in the Community Program (PITC) supports the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to be implemented at a local level.
As a NDIA partner, Northcott delivers the NDIS Early Childhood Approach (ECA) service to local communities in Northern NSW, Mid North Coast, Hunter New England, Northern Sydney, and Western Sydney. The approach supports the Early Childhood Early Intervention activities that will improve independence and social participation of children with disability or developmental delay aged 0-8 years.
Role Overview
The Early Childhood Coordinator helps children with disabilities or developmental delays and their families access and manage services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This role is critical in ensuring families receive the support that meets their unique needs and helps improve children’s independence and social participation.
Essential Qualifications & Experience Required
Knowledge
- Understand typical childhood development and the impacts of disabilities. Knowledge of the Child Protection Legislation and the principles of Keep Them Safe.
Skills
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
Experience
- Background in early childhood education, social work, or related fields
Qualifications
- Minimum Diploma in Early Education or equivalent in a related field
Licenses
- Current Driver’s License
- Working with Children’s Check (or willingness to obtain)
- NDIS Workers Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Up-to-date Covid-19 vaccinations.
Customer Focus
- Build trusting relationships and effectively support children and their families.
Problem Solving
- Efficiently manage tasks and solve problems creatively.
Leadership
- Work independently and take initiative in program improvement.
Professionalism
- Maintain a professional demeanour and communication style.
Key Responsibilities of an Early Childhood Coordinator
Family Engagement
- Talk with families to learn about the child’s needs based on their disability or developmental stage
- Use this information to help provide the right support
Observations
- Watch the child in their usual settings, like at home or through a video call
- Use tools from the NDIS IT system to understand and note the child’s needs
Recommendations
- Suggest strategies to help improve the child’s development and social activities
- Base your suggestions on your observations and professional opinion
Timeliness
- Follow specific timelines as outlined in our procedures and agreements to respond to needs promptly
Performance Goals
- Know and work towards the goals of our Early Childhood Approach
- Regularly check that your work meets these goals
Administrative Tasks
- Keep accurate records of your work, including reports on the child’s progress and program details
- Ensure all documentation meets our program’s requirements
Family-Centred Support
- Help families understand and manage their child’s needs using a supportive approach that builds their ability to solve problems.
Cultural Sensitivity
- Be respectful and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of the children and families you work with, including Indigenous and multicultural communities.
Legal and Best Practice Compliance
- Work according to the laws and guidelines that protect children’s rights and privacy
- Follow our guidelines for best practices in early intervention
Adherence to Policies
- Follow all of Northcott’s rules and ethical standards
- Participate in safety training and follow safety and health procedures
Maintenance Tasks
- Help keep Northcott’s facilities and equipment in good condition
- Report any issues to your manager
Team Collaboration
- Attend team meetings and supervisions regularly
- Work well with your team to meet the needs of the families and children
Additional Duties
- Be ready to take on other tasks as needed by our team or management
This list is indicative only and is subject to change. All Northcott employees are required to comply with any reasonable work requests as directed by their employer from time to time.
Northcott Policy and Procedures
We value innovation, respect, and bravery. Our employees are expected to adhere to high standards of ethics and conduct, contributing positively to our team and the communities we serve.
All Northcott employees are expected to be familiar with and adhere to Northcott policies and procedures.
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