Play Worker

Lewisham Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Local Government Pension scheme

Flexible working and family friendly

Season ticket and bicycle loans

Staff discounts

Job summary

Lewisham Council is seeking a Play Worker for a fixed-term 12-month role across Lewisham's adventure playgrounds. You will support delivery of engaging, safe, inclusive play for children and young people aged 6–19 (up to 25 with SEN), promoting informal education through play and helping with safeguarding and youth voice initiatives.

Weekend working is required; a playworker qualification is desirable; an enhanced DBS check is required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience engaging diverse young people through inclusive, creative, and outcome-driven play activities.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the delivery of engaging, safe, and inclusive play sessions.
• Promoting informal education through play, tailored to young people aged 6–19 (up to 25 with SEN).
• Assisting with safeguarding, site safety, volunteer coordination, and youth voice initiatives.
• Contribute to innovative programming, outreach, fundraising, and compliance with council policies.

Skills

Play engagement with youth

Safeguarding knowledge

Youth voice support

Education

Playworker qualification (desirable)

Job description

Join Us as a Play Worker — Make a Difference Through Play!

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Are you passionate about creating safe, fun, and inclusive spaces where young people can thrive? Lewisham’s adventure playgrounds are vibrant hubs of creativity, learning, and community — and we’re looking for someone like you to help bring them to life. This is your chance to be part of a team that champions youth voice, supports informal education, and sparks joy through play.

What’s the role? … …

Supporting the delivery of engaging, safe, and inclusive play sessions at Lewisham’s adventure playgrounds.

Promoting informal education through play, tailored to young people aged 6–19 (up to 25 with SEN).

Assisting with safeguarding, site safety, volunteer coordination, and youth voice initiatives.
Contribute to innovative programming, outreach, fundraising, and compliance with council policies.

This is a one year fixed term role

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

Proven experience engaging diverse young people through inclusive, creative, and outcome-driven play activities.

Strong safeguarding knowledge with the ability to identify and respond to concerns early and appropriately.

Confidence in supporting and amplifying youth voices, and fostering community involvement.
Flexibility to work evenings/weekends and a commitment to equality, safety, and ongoing professional development.

Location

The job is based across Lewisham's Adventure playgrounds.

Special conditions

• Playworker qualification is desirable
• Weekend working is required for this job
• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact [e-mail]

Salary

Salary: £33.513 to £33,993 per annum, SC4 pro rata

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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