Playworker

Portsmouth City Council; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 24,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Portsmouth City Council is seeking a Playground Activity Leader to organise and deliver creative activities for children aged 6 to 13 at our Adventure Playground. You will engage with families, support play sessions, and help maintain a safe, inclusive environment during each session.

Applicants should be 16 or over, with enthusiasm for physical and imaginative activities, good communication, and safeguarding awareness.

Qualifications

• Be aged 16 or over.
• Able to relate to children aged 6–13.
• Previous experience with children is advantageous.
• Confident communicator with families.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Organise and run activities for children aged 6–13 and families.
• Engage with children from diverse backgrounds.
• Maintain a safe play environment and report hazards.
• Work with colleagues to deliver inclusive, high-energy sessions.
• Support development of the playground in line with PCC policies.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Safeguarding

Conflict resolution

English skills

Enthusiasm for play

Education

Play Work qualification (desirable)

Job description

Are you passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for children and families? Join our dynamic team at a council-run Adventure Playground, where every day is packed with creativity, energy, and fun! As a Playground Activity Leader, you'll be at the heart of the action - organising and delivering a wide range of exciting activities for children aged 6 to 13. From arts and crafts to sports, games, and imaginative play, you'll help bring joy and adventure to every session.

You’ll engage with children from diverse backgrounds, build positive relationships with families, and work closely with your teammates to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe play environment. You'll also play a key role in maintaining site safety and reporting any potential hazards. Beyond the day-to-day fun, you'll support the development of the playground itself - helping a space that reflects the needs and voices of local children, all while following Portsmouth City Council's policies and procedures. You will be organising and running activities for children aged 6 - 13 and families on a council run Adventure Playground. Activities include arts and crafts, games, sports and other creative activities. You will be engaging and communicating with children from varying backgrounds as well as interacting with their parents and your own colleagues. You will also be responsible for ensuring the sites are a safe environment for children to play in and report any potential dangers. You will be supporting the Adventure Playground staff team to develop the play facility having regard for the needs of local children and in line with PCC policies & procedures.

Skills:

You need to:

• Be aged 16 or over as this is a requirement for the role.
• Be able to relate to younger people aged 6 - 13 years. Previous experience working with children would be an advantage.
• Be self-motivated and have enthusiasm to support physical and creative activities for children.
• Be able to deal with conflict and work well under pressure.
• Have good communication skills in talking to a wide range of people including children, parents, and colleagues.
• The ability to provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the role.
• Be a team player who can work in small teams effectively.
• Demonstrate an understanding for Safeguarding children in this role.
• Be aware of the relevant Health and Safety regulations.
• Be enthusiastic about building play structures, willing to learn the necessary skills, and physically able to carry out the associated tasks.

Having a qualification in Play Work would be advantageous but not essential.

Be flexible to work across all of the Council Adventure Playgrounds.