Play Worker

Play Worker

Contract: Initial 3 months
Hours: 22 hours per week
Rate: £21 per hour (umbrella) (£16 PAYE an hour)
Location: Adventure Playgrounds across the London Borough of Southwark

About the Role Southwark Council is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Play Worker to support the delivery of high-quality, inclusive play opportunities for children and young people aged 8–15 years (and up to 25 years for young people with SEND) across our Adventure Playgrounds.

You will play a key role in the day-to-day running of open-access play facilities, delivering engaging play opportunities across all Play Types, and supporting children and young people’s personal, social and emotional development in a safe, welcoming environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Work directly with children and young people to support their personal development through appropriate programmes of activities, services and facilities.
• Support the day-to-day operation of an open-access play facility, ensuring high-quality play opportunities are delivered safely and effectively.
• Plan, develop and deliver positive, enjoyable and stimulating activities that meet the needs and interests of children and young people.
• Support events and activities and supervise children and young people using play facilities.
• Actively involve children and young people through consultation, ensuring their voices inform programmes and service delivery.
• Maintain accurate records including registers, contacts, accident books, risk assessments, financial transactions, output data and basic reports.
• Organise and/or carry out basic maintenance tasks and support repairs and maintenance works, including the upkeep of adventure play structures in line with health and safety standards.
• Support fundraising and income-generation initiatives.
• Promote the play service and activities within the local community.
• Support and work alongside volunteers and trainees.
• Ensure council policies are followed in relation to equality, confidentiality, data protection, risk assessment and health and safety.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, following Southwark Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures.
• Participate in training and professional development as required.
• Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the role as requested by management.

About You You will be passionate about play and child-centred practice, with the ability to engage positively with children and young people from diverse backgrounds. You will have a good understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and inclusive practice, and be confident working in an open-access play setting.

Why Join Us? This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in your local community, working in dynamic outdoor play environments that support creativity, risk-taking and positive development for children and young people.