Group Leader - Early Years - Professional Development Opportunities

A life of participation, opportunity, and choice.

We believe at the core of who we are and what’s important to us, is our people. Generous, caring, compassionate, and resilient, they embody what we do every day. A team that never stops learning or striving to make tomorrow even better than today. With us, you’ll be supported by understanding leaders who show genuine care for your journey in our organisation, in our community and beyond.

Education and support are the most powerful tools which can be used to change the world for the better – that is why our Group Leaders are one of our most vital resources, capable of helping our students to shape the potential of their futures right from the beginning. You’ll see your impact. Every single day.

What does it look like to be a Group Leader with AQ? This crucial role will be a catalyst for change in the lives of autistic children, providing guidance at an early age through our EarlyAQtion Kindi programs. Our Group Leaders are a multi-disciplinary team with a strong presence of Teachers, Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists. Providing quality early years education and/or therapy support to autistic children, this role will lead by example through:

• Planning and delivery of quality Early Childhood Intervention groups, addressing the individualised support needs of children on the spectrum and their families and caregivers.
• Acting as the main point of contact for families to coordinate therapy and education support for children attending the Early Childhood Intervention group.
• Working collaboratively to ensure therapy and support goals and strategies are embedded within children’s everyday routines and to incorporate early childhood practices to support transition to mainstream settings.
• Establishment and maintenance of effective collaborative relationships with relevant stakeholders to ensure their participation in goal setting, planning, decision making and reporting.
• Preparation and maintenance of assessment, observation, meeting, service data, reports, progress records and other relevant documentation as required.
• Providing consultative support through face-to-face meetings, telephone consultation, and web conferencing and provision of training and information in the area of autism to internal and external stakeholders as required.
• The Group Leader will be responsible for leading and coordinating quality early intervention group programs, addressing individualised support needs of children and families, and act as the main point of contact for families.

There are part-time positions available, however, if the successful candidate is interested in increased hours or full-time work, additional opportunities within Autism Queensland can be explored to complete the position to a full-time position.

This opportunity opens the door to supervision and professional development which will provide the successful candidate invaluable experience and contribute enormously to their professional profile. As Autism Queensland is passionate about evidence-based practice, the successful candidate will have exposure high level research and best practice service delivery.

While our top priority is finding people who share our genuine passion in supporting our clients, here are a few things the right person will be equipped with:

• Tertiary qualification in Speech Pathology (including current membership with SPA).
• Minimum 12 months experience in speech pathology.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Teacher (preferably in Early Years education).
• Demonstrated understanding of contemporary methodologies in the provision of early intervention for children on the autism spectrum or other developmental challenges, and their families.
• Proven knowledge of child development, communication, social interaction, learning and understanding and managing behaviour.
• Understanding and experience in the design and implementation of direct (individual and/or group) and consultation-based support and intervention which is responsive to the individual needs of children, their families, and other relevant stakeholders.

From health and wellness programs to professional development and referral incentives, we encourage our staff to strive for a better balance. 

• Access up to $18,000 in Not-For-Profit salary packaging.  
• Look after your health through discounts to eligible Medibank private health insurance options, with singles through to family coverage options available.
• Exceptional professional development opportunities to support your career growth.
• Prioritise wellbeing through a discounted Fitness Passport with access to various fitness and aquatic centres all around the country – for you AND your immediate family!
• Be part of an organisation with a practice excellence team dedicated to providing our people with clinical supervision and mentoring.
• You’ll have access to the latest research through our own research and development team.  
• Gain meaningful experience through empowering autistic people, their families, carers, and the wider community.  

Are you ready to start helping Autism Queensland make an impact and change lives?