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- Tasks: Support play sessions for children aged 0-16 and help run holiday programmes.
- Company: CARIS Families, a charity dedicated to supporting homeless families.
- Benefits: £14 per hour, training sponsorship, 25 days annual leave, and a warm team environment.
- Other info: Exciting entry-level role with potential for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while kickstarting your career in playwork.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with children and some experience in play-based settings.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
CARIS Families is a small charity that supports homeless families living in hostel accommodation in Camden and Hackney. We run play and learning activities for children aged 0-16 from within 4 hostels in these boroughs, as well as a school holiday day trip programme and an Essentials Bank to ease family hardship. Our services for children aim to reduce the stress on children and parents of living in overcrowded, insecure accommodation, and to put back some of the vital childhood experiences that homeless accommodation deprives children of.
We are currently looking for a trainee playworker who is looking to build a career working with children to join our dedicated frontline play team. You do not need to have any formal experience of playwork, but you do need to be passionate about working with children and supporting them to achieve their potential, and to be able to demonstrate this through previous work or volunteering experience. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate, offering a rare entry-level role which alongside providing plenty of on-the-job training, will also fully sponsor their training towards the Level 2 Diploma in Playwork following successful completion of the probationary period.
Our new Playworker will:
- Help to deliver our hostel-based Kids Club’s play session for 0-16 year olds during term time in the London Borough of Camden
- Help to deliver our School Holiday programme during school holidays (in Camden, Hackney and the wider London area)
- Support the running of our term-time Essential Bank programme, providing free household goods to families in hostels
- Provide a warm and welcoming experience for children & their families attending CARIS Families’ services
- Engage with children in their play and learning experiences, through staff-led activities and supporting child-led play.
We are looking for someone at the start of their career (or a career-changer) who is:
- Experienced in working or volunteering within a play-based setting, with children between the ages of 0-16.
- Enthusiastic about supporting children in their free play and facilitating adult-led activities that stretch and stimulate children in their development
- Passionate about improving opportunities for disadvantaged children
- Understanding of the varied needs of children and their families
- Good communicators, comfortable with working with a wide range of service users and professionals
- Able to work well as part of a team.
Salary: £14 per hour
Contract: 12 months initially, with a three month probation period, and the possibility of extension beyond 12 months subject to funding. Training for the Level 2 diploma will commence after successful completion of the probation period.
Hours: 12 hours across three days a week in term time (40 weeks a year), Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please note on Kids Club days the working day ends at 6pm. One day a week (8 hrs) in school holidays (12 weeks a year), days variable.
25 days per year Annual Leave (pro rata) with an additional week off over Christmas. Your pay will be equalized out across the 12 months of the year so you receive a consistent salary each month.
Trainee Play and Community Worker in London employer: CARIS Families
Contact Detail:
CARIS Families Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Play and Community Worker in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know CARIS Families and their mission! Research the charity's work with homeless families and think about how your passion for supporting children aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the community or those already working in playwork. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to chat with the team, share your experiences with children, whether through volunteering or personal stories. Let them see your genuine passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CARIS Families team and contributing to their amazing work.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Play and Community Worker in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences, whether from volunteering or previous jobs, that highlight your commitment to supporting kids and their development.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Trainee Play and Community Worker. Mention how your skills and experiences align with CARIS Families' mission and the needs of the families you’ll be working with.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your journey and motivations without getting lost in complicated phrases.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at CARIS Families
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research CARIS Families. Understand their mission, the services they provide, and the communities they serve. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Playwork
Since this role is all about working with children, be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for playwork. Whether it’s a volunteering role or a personal experience, make sure to convey how these moments have shaped your desire to support children.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Working as part of a team is crucial in this role. Think of instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with others, especially in a play-based or community setting. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute positively to the existing team at CARIS Families.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the training opportunities available. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow and contribute to the organisation.