Play Worker

Overall Purpose:

To help support the delivery of the Saturday Club playscheme, in providing accessible play, cultural and leisure activities for young people aged 0-5 years old. To gain valuable experience of working with young children and their families and learn to encourage them whilst helping families to gain support from the families support worker, have an equal opportunity to take part in all aspects of the scheme.

We are looking for a minimum commitment of 1 or 2 days per week for a period of at least 3 months. Integration Support Services operates a probationary system. The placement may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either of the parties.

Expenses

Subject to funding and provision of receipts, Integration Support Services will repay the following expenses:

Travel: Bus tickets , £6.00 lunch expenses if 4 hours of volunteering incurred, accompanied by receipts.

Main Duties

1. To help set up the session according to the planned activities, create a play environment where children can make choices, access a range of resources and be supported in their play and activities.

 2. To suggest ideas and activities where appropriate without taking freedom to choose and create their own play environment.

3. To be open to learning and gaining experience from Playworkers and other members of staff.

4. To understand and follow the procedures and policies that are in place which help Saturday Club run safely and smoothly.

5. To help support and encourage positive behaviour of young children.

6. You are encouraged to participate in training prior to the start of the scheme, such as; safeguarding, playworker training and induction.

7. To help promote and deliver a high public profile and customer care service on behalf of Integration Support Services.

 8. It is in the nature of work with children and young people that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All staff and volunteers are expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises.

Tidy up the sessions room, clean the wet, dry section. The playing room floors, must remain clean after the Saturday Club.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES :

·         Effective Communication Communicates effectively.

·          Uses communication methods and standards, together with well-reasoned arguments to convince and persuade where necessary.

·         Continually looks for areas of improvement to ensure efficiency, effectiveness.

·         Builds relationships Presents a professional image; uses interpersonal skills to form positive and productive working relationships.

·          Commitment to the organisation. 

·         Acts with integrity and accountability.

What skills do I need?

We are looking for volunteers who are creative and alert. We also need our play workers to be patient, with excellent communication skills.

Interests

• Children
• Families and Parenting

Activities

• Creativity
• Practical Skills
• Supporting People and Befriending