Senior Playworker

Family Link Charity; Greater London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization for disabled youth in Greater London is seeking an experienced Senior Playworker to deliver engaging activities and mentor support staff. The role involves supporting young people with complex needs in a safe and fun environment. Candidates should have substantial experience, relevant childcare qualifications, and First Aid certification. This position offers £14 per hour with flexible hours on Saturdays and during holidays. Apply with your CV to [e-mail].

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience working with young people with disabilities.
• Certification in First Aid is necessary.
• Must have safeguarding training.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging and creative activities for young people.
• Support and mentor Playworkers in their roles.
• Manage personal care for young people as needed.

Skills

Experience with young people with disabilities

First Aid certification

Compassionate attitude

Open-minded attitude to play

Ability to motivate others

Education

Relevant childcare qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 2+)

Job description

Senior Playworker Job Advertisement

Family Link provides fun and educational activities for children and young adults with complex disabilities. We are looking for committed, reliable, and experienced staff to join our team. Our Saturday and school holiday sessions offer engaging and creative activities for young people with learning, physical, and complex disabilities, including medical needs.

About the Role

As a Senior Playworker, you will work closely with Play Leaders to deliver an engaging and stimulating programme of activities in a safe environment. You will mentor and support Playworkers, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance to provide high quality care and activities. Additionally, you will be responsible for supporting young people with complex behaviours, high medical needs, including hoisting, administering medication, and PEG feeding. This is a self‑employed position, and you will be responsible for managing your own tax and National Insurance.

Locations:
Saturday Club – The Astley Centre (Bromley)
Holiday club – Marjorie McClure School (Chislehurst)

Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (7 hours per session)
Pay: £14 per hour

Reports to: Play Leader

Main Duties

• Lead a range of activities which include arts and crafts, games, singing, dance and adapted activities.
• Create an exciting and enjoyable atmosphere.
• Attend to the young person's personal care where necessary; this may include assisting with meals, dressing, meeting personal care, depending on the young person’s individual needs.
• Encourage young people to be independent and self‑confident, maximising opportunities to reach their full potential.
• Maintain positive relationships and open communication with parents/carers.
• Participate in ongoing training, both internally and externally, as required to ensure compliance with Family Link’s regulations and best practices.
• Treat the children and young adults as individuals and follow the advice of the parents/carers on how best to support them during the sessions.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Be approachable and supportive to both the young people you assist and the team members you work with.
• Understand risk assessments and the ability to write and implement them effectively.
• Teach, mentor and support the development of others.
• Work effectively within a team and on your own.
• Ensure that Family Links equipment is properly maintained and fit for purpose.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with safeguarding and health & safety regulations.
• Follow Family Link’s policies and guidelines.
• Ensure good health, care and safety for the young people; report to the Play Leader and undertake other duties at their request.

Essential Skills

• A minimum of two years’ experience working with young people with disabilities.
• Relevant childcare qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 2+ or equivalent).
• First Aid certification.
• Safeguarding Children and Adults training.
• Experience in PEG feeding, hoisting, and administering medication, or a willingness to undergo training.
• A responsible, caring and compassionate attitude.
• Fun and open‑minded attitude to play.
• Motivate and support others in their roles.
• A genuine enthusiasm for the work of the charity.

Desirable Skills

• Additional relevant qualifications in disability support or childcare.
• Experience working in a playcentre or respite setting.
• Makaton or other communication training.

Start Date: Immediate (Ideally April half‑term)

To Apply: Email your CV to [e-mail]

About Family Link Charity

Family Link provides Saturday and holiday clubs in the London Borough of Bromley for 6–25‑year‑olds, with medical needs, physical, learning and complex disabilities. Our staff are highly trained to support young people’s care and health needs. The sessions run two Saturdays per month and 2‑3 sessions per week in the school holidays. We provide a programme of activities that is suitable for each young person’s individual needs. During our Saturday and holiday clubs we arrange external entertainers to provide additional variety, interest and stimulation. In addition to our clubs, we run day trips to places of interest, such as bowling, theatre, cinema and parks. These trips help develop positive lifelong relationship skills, social skills and confidence. It is not only young people that benefit from our services, but also an opportunity for their families/carers to receive well‑deserved respite.

Family Link recognises the difficulty of transitioning from child services to adult services, especially for young people with disabilities. We aim to avoid that transition period from child to adult services and ensure that young people can still meet with their peers in a friendly and engaging environment.

Our Mission

The provision of leisure opportunities for children and young people with disabilities; to provide a safe and fun environment.