At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fun, engaging play activities for children aged 6-15 in an outdoor adventure playground.
- Company: Vibrant Adventure Playground service in Hackney, London.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and help young people thrive through play.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth activities and a Level 2 Playwork qualification.
Are you passionate about working with children and young people? Do you thrive in creative, outdoor environments where no two days are the same?
We are currently recruiting for a Playworker to join a vibrant Adventure Playground service in Hackney, supporting the delivery of high-quality, child-led play opportunities.
The Role
As a Playworker, you will help create a safe, stimulating and inclusive play environment where children aged 6-15 can explore, develop and thrive. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Delivering engaging and creative play activities across after-school, weekend and holiday sessions
- Supporting child-led play using a low intervention, high response approach
- Building positive relationships with children, young people and families
- Promoting the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of young people
- Contributing to a varied programme of activities, including off-site trips
- Carrying out risk assessments and ensuring health & safety compliance
- Working collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to support young people's needs
This is a hands-on, physically active role, working outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.
Requirements
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Experience delivering open access play or youth activities for children and young people
- A Level 2 Playwork qualification (or equivalent)
- A strong understanding of Playwork Principles and child development
- The ability to engage and build rapport with young people, including those who may be hard to reach
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends and school holidays
Desirable:
- First Aid or Food Hygiene qualification
- Experience working in an adventure playground or with structure building
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is:
- Creative, energetic and enthusiastic
- Resilient and adaptable
- Passionate about helping young people reach their potential
- Comfortable working outdoors and in a physically demanding setting
Working Pattern
Term time: Minimum 22.5 hours per week
School holidays: Up to 36 hours per week
To Apply: Get in touch with Jordan Peat, QSW / NQSW Talent Partner.
Play Worker - Adventure Playground employer: Connect2Hackney
Join our dynamic Adventure Playground team in Hackney, where we prioritise creativity and inclusivity in a vibrant outdoor setting. As an employer, we offer a supportive work culture that values your passion for child development, alongside opportunities for professional growth and training. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a community-focused environment that fosters meaningful relationships with children and families, making every day rewarding and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Worker - Adventure Playground
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Connect2Hackney.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Connect2Hackney!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Connect2Hackney, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Connect2Hackney or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Worker - Adventure Playground
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Connect2Hackney:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Hackney! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
