Senior Playworker

**Responsible To: Head of Services, Quality & Improvement Lead**

**Hours: 20 hours per week term time, 30 hours per week holidays, 2 weekend sessions per month**

**Job Summary**

As Senior Playworker, you will lead and manage the planning, delivery and evaluation of a high-quality play and recreational activities for children and young people with disabilities. This role will involve overseeing daily operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of the young people and supporting the development of a skilled and motivated team of playworkers and volunteers.

**Key Responsibilities**

**1. Service Planning and Delivery**
- Lead the development and implementation of inclusive play programs and activities tailored to the diverse needs and interests of the young people
- Ensure that activities are engaging and meet the needs of the young people
- Coordinate and oversee the day to day operations of afterschool, holiday and weekend clubs
- Lead the team in providing the highest quality of care to the young people including providing snacks and drinks, assisting with transport, personal care and administering medication when required

**2. Team Leadership**
- Conduct regular team meetings and debriefings to ensure effective communication and continuous improvement
- Lead and support a team of playworkers and volunteers ensuring they deliver high-quality care and activities

**3. Child Welfare and Safety**
- Implement and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and young people
- Lead the team in conducting risk assessments for activities and environments, taking necessary actions to minimise potential hazards
- Maintain accurate records of incidents, accidents and any other concerns reporting to management as require
- To be a named Designated Lead Practitioner for safeguarding within the setting

**Communication and Collaboration**
- Build positive relationships with the young people, families and carers ensuring they are informed and involved with their child's play experiences
- Work collaboratively with external partners when required to enhance the quality and reach of services

**Administration and Evaluation**
- Assist in the administration and organisation of the service
- Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and activities, seeking feedback from participants, families and staff to inform improvements
- To be a named person for Ofsted

**Note: This job description is intended to outline the main duties and responsibilities associated with this position. It is not an exhaustive list and the role may evolve to meet the ever changing needs of the charity.**

**Requirements**:
**Essential**:

- Level 3 in Playwork or Childcare
- Level 1 and 2 Safeguarding Children and Young People or the willingness to attend training
- Significant experience of working in a playwork or childcare setting
- Strong leadership and team management skills with experience in leading teams
- Comprehensive understanding of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures
- Ability to plan, deliver and evaluate inclusive play activities
- Knowledge and understanding of Risk Assessments and Health and Safety
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills
- Organisation skills
- Computer literate
- Friendly, creative, flexible team player with a positive, can-do attitude
- Passion for the charity

**Desirable**
- Training in First Aid, TOPS, Moving and Handling, Food Hygiene, Fire Safety and Administration of Medication
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Experience working within a charity or community organisation
- Knowledge of specific disabilities and additional needs
- Knowledge of best practice within the charity and/or care sector
- Knowledge of local community groups and organisations
- Knowledge of Makaton
- Creative skills in areas such as arts, crafts, sports or music
- Specialist skills and interests that would be of benefit to 4Ever Unique

**Job Type**: Part-time

Pay: £13.50 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay

Schedule:

- Day shift

**Education**:

- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Leadership in a childcare setting: 1 year (required)
- Childcare: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 14/10/2024