Talent Specialist

THE ROLE AT THE Y

Every person we hire into Children’s Services shapes the day of the children and families in our care. As our Talent Specialist, you’ll help find those people and support them to build a career with us. You’ll lead recruitment for our Early Learning Centres and more than 55 OSHC sites across South Australia. Based at Head Office, you’ll join our People and Culture team and work closely with the Directors and Regional Managers who run our services. This role goes beyond filling vacancies. You’ll get to know each site, work with leaders to shape the right response to their staffing needs, and partner with them through selection. You’ll then follow new starters through their first shifts and beyond and use what you learn to improve how we recruit next time. Key responsibilities include:

• Partnering with Directors and Regional Managers to understand each staffing need and agree the right response, which isn’t always a new appointment

• Writing and placing job ads, managing Expressions of Interest, and building talent pools ahead of known and seasonal demand

• Screening, shortlisting and interviewing alongside Directors

• Conducting reference checks and managing the candidate experience, recognising many candidates are also our members and families

• Supporting new starters through to commencement and their first months

• Representing the Y at careers events and building relationships with training providers and industry networks

• Reporting on recruitment activity and new starter retention, identifying trends and shaping how we recruit across Children’s Services

We measure success by the quality of the people we appoint and how long they stay, not just how quickly a role is filled.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE Y

Successful candidates will also have, or be willing to obtain:

• RRHAN-EC Masterclass (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect, Education and Care)

• Recruitment experience, including sourcing, screening and interviewing

• The ability to build strong working relationships with operational leaders, and the confidence to raise a concern when a candidate isn’t right

• Sound judgement in assessing values alignment as well as capability

• An understanding of safeguarding in a child-related environment

• The organisation to manage a varied workload on your own, and discretion with confidential information

• Experience in children’s services, education or multi-site recruitment is highly regarded

To view the position descriptions for this role, please visit our website at https://www.sa.ymca.org.au/get-involved/careers/find-a-job.

ABOUT THE Y

YMCA South Australia is a not-for-profit community organisation that has served the South Australian community for more than 175 years. Our aim is to develop the whole person, helping all South Australians connect with a better life - not only physical fitness and capabilities but also sense of identity, purpose, hope and dignity, psychological health, resilience, social connectedness, lifelong learning and contribution back into the community. We are a leading provider of recreation, community, and children’s services and we deliver programs and services across the state in settings including community recreation centres, swimming pools, health and fitness facilities, community centres, camps, early education and schools and youth services.

BENEFITS WITH THE Y

• Free Access - Free access to YMCA SA managed recreation centres (pools, gyms, courts) and for immediate family when visiting together

• YMCA SA Discounts - 20% off programs, classes, café food, merch, and OSHC/Vacation Care services

• Health and Wellbeing - Access to free flu vaccinations and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with 24/7 support

• Career Growth Opportunities - A culture of empowerment and growth with ongoing opportunities for learning and career/skill development

HOW TO APPLY

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Teertha Shetty, People and Culture Operations Lead, on 0437 511 776 or teertha.shetty@ymcasa.org.au.

Does this sound like you? Please submit your resume and cover letter via Apply Now! You must address the key selection criteria in your application. Please note, only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

Applications close Friday, 31st of October 2026.

COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN

At the Y, we're committed to empowering all Children and Young People to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. We ensure all of our candidates are appropriately screened to make sure the right people are in the right roles, this includes:

• National Police Check (issued in the last 6 months)

• Working With Children Check

• International Criminal History Record Check (if worked/lived overseas in the last 5 years)

To learn more about our screening processes, view our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy: https://www.sa.ymca.org.au/who-we-are/safeguarding-children

YMCA South Australia is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding children, young people, and other vulnerable people.