At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate and deliver exciting play programmes for children and young people across Sandwell.
- Company: Join Sandwell Council's Play Service, dedicated to enriching children's play experiences.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, creative environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and collaboration across various locations.
- Why this job: Shape inclusive play opportunities and support children's wellbeing in your community.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Play work or related field and experience with children and families.
The predicted salary is between 28795 - 35193 £ per year.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Sandwell Council's Play Service is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Play Development Officer to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver a wide range of play opportunities for children and young people across Sandwell. From parks and community spaces to holiday activities and targeted programmes, you will play a key role in ensuring children have access to safe, inclusive and engaging experiences that support their wellbeing, development and right to play.
As a Play Development Officer, you will:
- Coordinate and deliver a variety of play programmes, events and activities across Sandwell.
- Support the delivery of Holiday Activities and Food (HAF), Go Play Sandwell and other community-based programmes.
- Work with children, families, schools and local organisations to increase access to inclusive play opportunities.
- Build positive relationships with community partners and support the development of local provision.
- Gather the views of children and young people and use their feedback to help shape services.
- Promote children's right to play and champion a child-centred, inclusive approach in everything you do.
We're looking for someone who has:
- A Level 3 qualification or above in Play work or a related field such as Youth Work, Education, Early Years, Community Development or Forest School Leadership.
- At least three years' experience of delivering services for children, young people and families, or similar experience in a related setting.
- An understanding of play and the importance of child-led activities and services.
- Experience planning and delivering engaging activities both indoors and outdoors.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, equality and inclusion.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with a wide range of people and organisations.
Hours: 37 hours per week. Please be aware that a Standard DBS check is required for this role.
Working with us: Our Play Service is committed to ensuring children and young people across Sandwell have access to high-quality play experiences that support their development, wellbeing and sense of belonging. You will be joining a team that values creativity, collaboration and the voices of children and young people. The role involves working across different locations within the borough and includes a flexible working pattern with occasional evenings, weekends, school holidays and bank holiday working as required. You should be able to travel to locations across Sandwell.
Closing Date: 11th September 2026
Planned interview date: 1st October 2026
Play Development Officer employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Development Officer
✨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 WMJobs.
✨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 WMJobs!
✨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 WMJobs, 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 WMJobs 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 Development Officer
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 WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! 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 WMJobs
✨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.
