by Kelly King | Oct 4, 2025 | Careers, News
We are seeking a motivated Occupational Therapist to join our team!
Part or Full Time Position / New Grad or Experienced.
Early Connections- Manning and Great Lakes (formerly Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention) is seeking a highly motivated Occupational Therapist to join our expanding team. Our staff of 26 includes skilled EC Teachers, Therapists and Allied Health Assistants who will offer a supportive environment for our new staff member. Learn how to become a Key Worker in the “Team around the Child”, family centred approach. The position is available either as a full or part time position and offers a family friendly, flexible workplace.
Early Connections – Manning and Great Lakes is the leading service provider within the region, servicing children 0-12yrs with a diagnosed disability or significantly delayed development. We are a registered NDIS Service Provider providing Therapy and Educational supports through this system.
Come and see why our staff love working for Early Connections!
- Paediatric focussed position, build your career working with children and families!
- Training and extensive supervision in role and generous PD.
- Gradual caseload and reasonable billable targets.
- 5 WEEKS leave per year!
- Save tax through generous Salary Sacrificing, unique to Public Benevolent Institutions (PBI’s) – (up to $15,899), Meal and Entertainment Card (up to $2,650) and Novated Leasing all available.
- Staff tell us they feel more supported in our team than they have with other employers – “the Team at EC feels like Family”.
- Local Community Connector available to support you in settling into community (accommodation, partner’s job support, childcare/school, leisure connections and more).
- Up to $3,000 subsidised relocation/accommodation costs offered. Come and see what the Great Lakes and Manning regions have to offer!
Why work for us:
- New grad focused supports, specific training and supports to make sure you feel supported and succeed in your early career.
- Supervision from experienced OT’s in 1:1 and team supervision. We have a team of 4 onsite OT’s, so you will always have access to supports.
- PD allocation of $2,000 in first year and $1,000 annually thereafter. PD courses may include Paediatrics in OT, Key Worker, Behaviour supports & self-regulation etc.
- Full or Part time roles negotiable with potential for RDO’s and flexible hours.
- Salary packaging and financial incentives, including significantly above award rates, plus additional paid leave.
- Access relocation/accommodation costs where needed.
- Diverse range of clients with a variety of needs and diagnosis.
- Highly experienced team of Early Intervention Teachers, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, Psychologists and Allied Health Assistants.
- Be a part of the Early Connections Alliance (from Forster to Coffs Harbour) and benefit from the knowledge and experience of a vast allied health and education team.
- Staff are supported through access to wellbeing and psychology supports through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Access Employment Hero program, including staff rewards and recognition program.
- We are an established NDIS provider and also offer supports throughout the community.
The role:
- Learn to provide assessments, interventions and therapy to children 0-12yrs with a diverse range of disabilities.
- Build skills through shadowing experienced staff. Gradual caseload and achievable billable expectations.
- Service aimed at building the capacity of the child and family in natural, inclusive settings. Early Connections – MGL has extensive existing relationships within the community.
- Opportunity to work within a transdisciplinary model and to provide consultation to Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapist, Psychologists and Early Childhood Teachers and families. Opportunities for advancement.
- Work with and support Allied Health Assistants.
- Working between two sites (Taree and Tuncurry).
- Using state of the art technology including the Echidna CRM (client record management) system and IPads. IT supports from our local IT company.
The successful candidate will:
- Occupational Therapist qualification (or pending completion) and registered with appropriate Board eg APHRA.
- Commitment to Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention, inclusive practice, family centred approach to service delivery
- Have excellent communication and documentation skills using technology effectively
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- No prior experience needed, however AHA experience welcomed.
- Ability to organise time and set priorities
- Interest in and willingness to develop sound understanding of child development.
- Vaccination against COVID-19 is essential.
Travel needs supported by work vehicles, however some private travel in your own car is required, current driver’s license and comprehensive car insurance are a pre-requisite for the position. A current Working with Children Check, Police Check and First Aid Certificate is also required.
Part Time status will be negotiated on employment and may be dependent on applicants’ level of experience. Position will be permanent following 3mth trial period.
Location: Taree and Tuncurry
Send Applications to: Applications must address the selection criteria. Send applications to Sally Gibson: manager@earlyconnections-mgl.org.au
Applications close: Fri 31st Oct 2025
For a confidential discussion call Sally Gibson on (02) 6552 7333.
by Kelly King | Oct 4, 2025 | Careers, News
Early Connections Manning & Great Lakes is seeking another motivated Early Childhood Teacher to join our team!
Part or Full Time Position / Experienced EC Teachers Welcome!
Early Connections- Manning and Great Lakes (formerly Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention) is seeking a highly motivated Early Childhood Teacher to join our expanding team. Our staff of 26 includes skilled EC Teachers, Therapists and Allied Health Assistants who will offer a supportive environment for our new staff member. Learn how to become a Key Worker in the “Team around the Child”, family centered approach. The position is available either as a full or part time position and offers a family friendly, flexible workplace.
Early Connections – Manning and Great Lakes is the leading service provider within the region, servicing children 0-12yrs with a diagnosed disability or significantly delayed development. We are a registered NDIS Service Provider providing Therapy and Educational supports through this system.
Come and see why our staff love working for Early Connections!
- Change of role opportunity in Early Childhood Education. Expand your teaching skills in the Not-for-profit, disability sector.
- Training and supervision in role and generous PD.
- 5 WEEKS leave per year! Additional financial rewards and incentives through Employment Hero dollars!
- Gradual caseload and reasonable billable targets.
- Save tax through generous Salary Sacrificing, unique to Public Benevolent Institutions (PBI’s) – (up to $15,899), Meal and Entertainment Card (up to $2,650) and Novated Leasing all available.
- Staff tell us they feel more supported in our team than they have with other employers – “the Team at EC feels like Family”.
- Local Community Connector available to support you in settling into community (accommodation, partner’s job support, childcare/school, leisure connections and more).
- Up to $3,000 subsidised relocation/accommodation costs offered. Come and see what the Great Lakes and Manning regions have to offer!
Why work for us:
- Work within a highly skilled team within Best Practice model of service in Early Childhood Intervention. Rejuvenate your teaching skills through coaching families and supporting children with a team around the child.
- Work with a skilled, supportive team around you. Supervision (face to face) from experienced Early Intervention Teacher’s in 1:1 and team supervision.
- Diverse range of clients with a variety of needs and diagnosis.
- Be a part of the Early Connections Alliance (from Forster to Coffs Harbour) and benefit from the knowledge and experience of a vast allied health and education team.
- Access quality training in disability supports, through supervision and great professional development.
- Access relocation costs where needed.
- Full or Part time roles negotiable with potential for RDO’s and flexible hours. Flexible, family-friendly work hours and conditions.
- Salary packaging and financial incentives, including significantly above award rates, plus additional paid leave.
- Staff are supported through access to wellbeing and psychology supports through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Access Employment Hero program, including staff rewards and recognition program.
- We are an established NDIS provider and also offer supports throughout the community.
The role:
- Provide family centered supports for children 0-9yrs with a diverse range of disabilities and their families.
- Service aimed at building the capacity of the child and family in natural, inclusive settings. Early Connections – MGL has extensive existing relationships within the community.
- Opportunity to work within a transdisciplinary model and to provide consultation to Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapist, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, AHA’s and families.
- Support childcare and school staff work towards inclusion of children in all setting.
- Working across one or both of our two sites (Taree and Tuncurry).
- Using state of the art technology including the Echidna CRM (client record management) system and IPads.
The successful candidate will:
- Have relevant qualifications – minimum Bachelor of Early Childhood Education essential.
- Have a commitment to Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention, inclusive practice, family centered approach to service delivery.
- Have excellent communication and documentation skills using technology effectively.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Have experience in disability or Early Childhood sector (desirable not essential).
- Ability to organise time and set priorities.
- A fundamental understanding of child development.
- Vaccination against COVID-19 is essential.
Travel is required, your own car and a current driver’s license and comprehensive car insurance are a pre-requisite for the position. A current Working with Children Check, Police Check and First Aid Certificate is also required.
Part Time/Full Time status will be negotiated on employment and may be dependent on applicants’ level of experience. Position will be permanent following successful 3mth trial period.
Location: Taree and Tuncurry
Send Applications to: Applications must address the selection criteria. Send applications to Sally Gibson: manager@earlyconnections-mgl.org.au
Applications close: Fri 17th Oct 2025. Expressions of interest open thereafter.
For a confidential discussion call Sally Gibson on (02) 6552 7333.
by Kelly King | Aug 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
Celebrating Over 192 Years of Collective Expertise: Early Connections Coffs Coast Leads the Way in Early Childhood Intervention
At Early Connections Coffs Coast, helping children thrive isn’t just our work; it’s our passion, purpose, and promise to every family that walks through our doors. Early Connections – Coffs Coast is a children’s charity operating in Coffs Harbour for over 40 years.
We are proud of our dedicated team of early childhood intervention professionals who bring together over 192 years of collective experience in early childhood interventions, encompassing Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Early Childhood Education and family counselling. Their extensive knowledge and skill is the foundation of our continued success in supporting children aged 0-7 years and their families in the Coffs Coast community.
Our team of 21 highly skilled professionals share a wealth of experience that is simply unmatched in our region. Every team member is committed to delivering meaningful, family-focused education, therapy, and support, ensuring the very best developmental opportunities for every child.
What sets Early Connections Coffs Coast apart is not just the years of experience, but the stability, consistency, and dedication of our team. In an industry where frequent staff changes can disrupt a child’s progress, our long-term staff retention means families benefit from familiar, trusted faces and enduring relationships. We know that security and connection are the foundations for optimum learning environments. When children are surrounded by people they trust, they can be ready to explore, learn, and grow. Our team provides support to guide families every step of the way.
Early Connections proudly operates under a Key Worker model. This means that your family is matched with a primary professional (your Key Worker) who is your central point of contact and who works closely with you to understand your family’s unique needs in order to develop and implement an individual program for your child. But the support doesn’t stop there. Behind every Key Worker stands the collective expertise of our entire transdisciplinary team, ensuring each child benefits from the combined knowledge, collaborative problem-solving, and creativity of all our professionals. We truly build a Team Around the Child and Family, offering wrap-around care and integrated support tailored to your family’s journey.
As a registered NDIS provider, we deliver vital early childhood intervention education, therapy, and support for families with young children experiencing developmental delays or living with disabilities. From your child’s earliest days through to school age, our focus is always on relationships, working in partnership with you, respecting your goals, and empowering your family.
At Early Connections Coffs Coast, our greatest pride is the trust we have earned from local families. With nearly two centuries of cumulative expertise, we are devoted to helping every child grow, connect, and flourish. Thank you for letting us be part of the Coffs Coast children and family story for 192 years and counting.
by Kelly King | Jul 23, 2025 | News
We’re Proud to Celebrate One of Our Own – Veronica Richardson in the Mid Coast Community Connector Spotlight!
Early Connections – Manning & Great Lakes are thrilled to see our very own Veronica Richardson recognised in the Mid Coast Community Connector Spotlight (April 17, 2025). Veronica, a passionate graduate occupational therapist, joined our Taree team after relocating from Melbourne and has already made a lasting impression on our staff, families, and the broader community.
Her warmth, dedication, and eagerness to support children and families in the Manning Valley have been nothing short of inspiring. It’s no surprise that Manager, Sally Gibson describes her as “rare gold”! We’re excited that Veronica and her partner have chosen to call our beautiful region home, having recently purchased a house and embraced life in our community.
We’re so proud to see Veronica’s talents and commitment recognised in this feature. Her story is just one example of the impact passionate professionals can have in regional areas, and we feel lucky to have her as part of our team.
👉 Read the full Spotlight article here
Congratulations, Veronica – we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll continue to achieve!
by Kelly King | Jun 5, 2025 | Careers, News
Early Connections Kempsey is seeking an Occupational Therapist to join their team.
Early Connections Kempsey (formerly Kempsey Early Intervention) is seeking a highly motivated Occupational Therapist to join our skilled and transdisciplinary team across the Kempsey Macleay region. If you are looking for flexibility and a supportive workplace with a diverse range of work opportunities, then this role is for you. This position is Permanent Part Time or Full time.
Early Connections Kempsey is the leading service provider within the region, servicing children 0-12yrs with a diagnosed disability or significantly delayed development. Our mission is to provide a quality early childhood intervention service, which works in partnership with families and the community to improve each child’s participation in inclusive mainstream environments in the Kempsey Macleay area. We are a verified NDIS Service Provider and have been rolled out within this scheme since July 2017.
Why work for us:
- Diverse range of clients with a variety of needs and diagnosis.
- Highly experienced team of Early Intervention Specialist Teachers, Speech Pathologists, Allied Health Assistants, Psychologist and Occupational Therapists.
- Be a part of the Early Connections Alliance (from Taree to Coffs Harbour) and benefit from the knowledge and experience of a vast allied health and education team.
- Work alongside our experienced senior therapists and teachers who can provide supervision and ongoing mentoring if needed.
- Access to professional development opportunities
- Flexible, family-friendly work arrangements
- Flexibility in working hours with the option to take up to 9 weeks paid leave year
- We are an established NDIS provider.
The role:
- Provide assessments, interventions and therapy to children 0-12yrs with a diverse range of disabilities.
- Supporting clients in the home, preschool services and school environments to provide an inclusive model of practice. Early Connections Kempsey has extensive existing relationships within the community.
- Opportunity to work within a transdisciplinary model and to provide consultation to Speech Pathologists, Psychologist, Occupational Therapists and Early Childhood Educators and Families.
- Educational sessions for parents, teachers, preschool staff etc.
- Using digital technology including the Echidna CRM (client record management) system and iPads.
The successful candidate will:
- Have relevant qualifications and be registered with and a current membership with AHPRA.
- Have a commitment to Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention, inclusive practice and family centred approach to service delivery.
- Have excellent communication and documentation skills using technology effectively
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Experience in disability and paediatrics
- Knowledge or willingness to adopt routine-based therapy strategies to facilitate child development.
Travel is reimbursed and your own car and a current driver’s licence are a pre-requisite for the position. A current Working with Children Check and Police Check is also required.
Location: Kempsey and the Macleay region.
Send Applications to: Applications must address the selection criteria. Send applications to kirstymainey@earlyconnectionskempsey.org.au
Applications close: June 23rd 2025
For a confidential discussion call Kirsty Mainey Tuesday-Friday on (02) 6562 6491.
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