Are you passionate about supporting young children and their families to achieve positive developmental outcomes?

Join Meli’s Early Childhood Approach team as an Early Connections Practitioner, where you will play a key role in helping children with developmental concerns, developmental delay or disability access the right support at the right time. Working closely with parents and carers, you will use your knowledge of child development to undertake assessments, identify strengths and support needs, and provide evidence-based strategies that build family confidence and capability.

Through a compassionate, family-centred and strengths-based approach, you will deliver early supports, foster inclusion, and connect families with community, mainstream and NDIS services, helping children thrive in their everyday environments and reach their full potential.

About the Role

As an Early Connections Practitioner, you will:

- Conduct high-quality developmental assessments, observations and interviews to identify children's strengths, support needs and appropriate pathways in line with NDIS guidelines.
- Provide families and carers with evidence-based strategies, information and practical support to enhance their child's development within everyday routines and natural environments.
- Deliver short-term, capacity-building Early Supports through individual sessions, group programs and collaborative partnerships that promote inclusion and participation.
- Connect children and families with relevant community, mainstream and NDIS services while maintaining accurate documentation, reporting and case management records.

Position Details

- Full time, Fixed term position until 30 June 2027
- 1 FTE working 76 hours per fortnight
- $105,834 p/a + Super + Salary Packaging

What We’re Looking For

We value individuals who bring dedication, empathy, and expertise to their roles. To succeed in this position, you will have:





- Bachelor qualification in Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology (preferred current AHPRA registration) Early Childhood Education or other Allied Health discipline or equivalent with experience working with children under 9 and their families
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of typical and atypical child development from birth to nine years, with the ability to accurately identify developmental delay, developmental concerns and disability.
- Proven capability in interpreting developmental indicators, using assessment tools, and applying qualified judgement to determine appropriate supports and intervention pathways.
- Demonstrated high-level communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children and families in diverse settings, complemented by strong time‑management and organisational abilities that support independent, self‑directed work.

Why Work with Us?

At Meli, we offer more than just a job—we provide a platform to thrive, grow, and make an impact. Our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) includes:

- Supportive Culture: Join a values-driven organization that fosters collaboration and innovation.
- Career Growth: Access ongoing Learning & Development opportunities and clear pathways for progression.
- Financial Benefits: Enjoy salary packaging up to $15,900 per year, enhancing your financial well-being.
- Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible ways of working.
- Employee Wellbeing:



Participate in employee-led Inclusion Working Groups, access confidential counselling via our Employee Assistance Program, and enjoy paid parental leave above the government scheme.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a team that celebrates diversity and actively supports individuals from all walks of life.

How to Apply

We’re excited to hear from you! Please submit your application, including a résumé and addressing the key selection criteria in the application form. Applications close 11:59pm, Thursday 23rd July 2026.

For more information about the position please contact Mia Ayton, Team Leader Early Childhood Approach on 0490 800 ***.

Join Our Commitment

Meli is committed to providing a child-safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or harm of children. Our recruitment practices reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. All employment with Meli is subject to reference checks, a satisfactory national (and international where relevant) police check, VIT Check (where applicable) and a current Working with Children Check prior to commencement of any paid or unpaid work and/or participation in any service or undertaking.

Meli is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ community members, people living with disabilities, and those looking to return to the workforce.

Our usual process includes a written application, a phone call and a panel interview. If you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please email us at ***********@meli.org.au to discuss how we can best support you.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to inspire change and make a lasting impact, click Apply Now and start your journey with Meli.

📌 NDIS Early Connections Practitioner (Warrnambool)
🏢 Meli
📍 Warrnambool