Play Development Officer

WMJobs; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council's Play Service is seeking a Play Development Officer to join our team. You will coordinate and deliver a range of play opportunities for children and young people across Sandwell, from parks to holiday activities, ensuring safe, inclusive experiences that support wellbeing and development.

A DBS check is required. You will work with children, families, schools and local organisations, travel across the borough, and contribute to programmes like HAF and Go

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification or above in Play work or a related field such as Youth Work, Education, Early Years, Community Development or Forest School Leadership.
• Three years' experience delivering services for children, young people and families, or similar experience.
• Understanding of play and child-led activities and services.
• Experience planning and delivering engaging activities indoors and outdoors.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, equality and inclusion.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with a wide range of people and organisations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver a variety of play programmes, events and activities across Sandwell.
• Support the delivery of Holiday Activities and Food (HAF), Go Play Sandwell and other community-based programmes.
• Work with children, families, schools and local organisations to increase access to inclusive play opportunities.
• Build positive relationships with community partners and support the development of local provision.
• Gather the views of children and young people and use their feedback to shape services.
• Promote children's right to play and champion a child-centred, inclusive approach.

Education

Level 3 qualification in Play work or related field

Job description

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council,

Sandwell Council's Play Service is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Play Development Officer to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver a wide range of play opportunities for children and young people across Sandwell. From parks and community spaces to holiday activities and targeted programmes, you will play a key role in ensuring children have access to safe, inclusive and engaging experiences that support their wellbeing, development and right to play.

As a Play Development Officer, you will:

• Coordinate and deliver a variety of play programmes, events and activities across Sandwell.
• Support the delivery of Holiday Activities and Food (HAF), Go Play Sandwell and other community-based programmes.
• Work with children, families, schools and local organisations to increase access to inclusive play opportunities.
• Build positive relationships with community partners and support the development of local provision.
• Gather the views of children and young people and use their feedback to help shape services.
• Promote children's right to play and champion a child-centred, inclusive approach in everything you do.

We're looking for someone who has:

• A Level 3 qualification or above in Play work or a related field such as Youth Work, Education, Early Years, Community Development or Forest School Leadership.
• At least three years' experience of delivering services for children, young people and families, or similar experience in a related setting.
• An understanding of play and the importance of child-led activities and services.
• Experience planning and delivering engaging activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, equality and inclusion.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with a wide range of people and organisations

Hours: 37 hours per week.

Please be aware that a Standard DBS check is required for this role.

Working with us:

Our Play Service is committed to ensuring children and young people across Sandwell have access to high-quality play experiences that support their development, wellbeing and sense of belonging. You will be joining a team that values creativity, collaboration and the voices of children and young people.

The role involves working across different locations within the borough and includes a flexible working pattern with occasional evenings, weekends, school holidays and bank holiday working as required. You should be able to travel to locations across Sandwell.

Closing Date:

11th September 2026

Planned interview date:

1st October 2026