MARBLE HILL PLAYCENTRES

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:Senior Playworker

Location:Adventure Playground

Reports to:Playcentres Manager and Marble Hill Playcentres Committee

Reported to by:Deputy Playworker, Playworkers and Volunteers

Job Purpose:

  1. To be responsible for all aspects of the management of the Adventure Playground.
  1. To work collaboratively with and provide full support and co-operation to the committee and Playcentres Manager.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

1.Staff Team Operation & Development
1.1To develop, promote and manage in conjunction with the staff team and ‘AP Peeps’ group a play programme suitable for children and young people 5-15 years old.
1.2To develop personnel systems in partnership with the Playcentres Manager to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the adventure playground.
1.3To organise and participate in regular staff meetings in and out of normal working hours.
1.4To manage, supervise and support the work of all staff and volunteers.
1.5To manage the induction of all new staff and volunteers.
1.6To identify individual and staff training needs and discuss these with the Playcentres Manager.
1.7To manage according to the Normal Operating Procedures and the Emergency Action Plan.

1.8To work closely with the Playcentres Manager and develop a work plan
2.Administration

2.1In conjunction with the committee and senior management to develop and maintain an appropriate information base system.
2.2To attend appropriate meetings.
2.3To provide feedback from meetings when required.
2.4To be responsible for the stock control of materials and equipment.
2.5To administer the Child Registration system, outing forms, accident / incident forms and signing in sheets, and regularly update database.
2.6To collect fees and other monies in accordance with Marble Hill Playcentres financial regulations.
2.7To operate a petty cash system and regularly update database.
2.8To provide information to appropriate groups and individuals.
2.9To prepare for Ofsted inspection/Quality in Play.
2.10To produce letters, handouts, posters and newsletters when appropriate.
2.11To initiate and participate in the playground’s efforts to fundraise.
3.Playground Programme
3.1To encourage inclusive adventurous and risky play within the site, promoting the Play types and Playwork principles.

3.2To establish, develop and maintain an Adventure Playground, ensuring the site is run appropriately, developing it in a way that creates a stimulating and safe environment for children and young people to play.

3.3To provide opportunities for the educational, social, emotional and physical
development of participants, through a wide range of activities and events.
3.4To facilitate activities and events to include a wide range of arts, crafts, sports and
games and off-site outings and inter-playground visits where possible.
3.5To become familiar with the special needs and interests of individuals and groups and endeavour to deal sensitively with these in the context of equal opportunity.
3.6To be responsible for the general safety and well being of children and young people being supervised.

3.7To encourage the use of the Adventure Playground by as wide a range of individuals and groups aged 5-15 years as may be identified in the community.

4.Relations with other organisations

4.1In conjunction with the Committee and Playcentres Manager, to maintain and develop relations with English Heritage, London Play and other play organisations and youth agencies.

5.Health & Safety, PlayBuilding and Site

5.1To ensure that the playground meets advised standards of Health & Safety.

5.2To assist Playcentres Manager in undertaking and maintaining all health and safety audits and deal with matters arising.

5.3To report major defects to Playcentres Manager and Committee.

5.4To organise for the repairs and removal of old structures in conjunction with the Playcentres Manager and English Heritage.

5.5To ensure the site is secure.

5.6To ensure the appropriate use and safe keeping of all equipment, materials and furniture belonging to the Adventure Playground.

5.7To participate in the design, building and maintenance of the Adventure Playground
structures, and in particular to participate in the setting up of structures prior to the
season’s opening.

5.8To ensure the building and site are kept clean, tidy and hygienic.

5.9To encourage the Adventure Playground users to treat the play area, building,
equipment and materials with respect.
5.10To put up and take down the ropes that make up the Adventure Playground swings, and to replace these ropes when necessary.
5.11To set up the play environment prior to each session.
5.12To administer first aid to injured public or staff in accordance with recognised first aid practice.

5.13To ensure adventure playground staff and volunteers are aware of and follow health and safety policy.

6.Additional Duties

6.1Any other duties relating to the Marble Hill Playcentres that may be required from time to time by the Playcentres Manager/Committee.
6.2To carry out the responsibilities of the post having regard to the Playcentres’ Equality &
Diversity, Customer Care and Health & Safety Policies and the Investors in People
standard.

6.3To be responsible for managing and developing staff following the Investors in People and Quality in Play standards.
6.4To attend training courses that may be organised out of work hours.

6.5To write an end of season report, collate data and statistics, and to present this to the Playcentres Manager and committee.

MARBLE HILL PLAYCENTRES

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title:Senior Playworker

Location:Adventure Playground

Job Time:Full-time, Fixed Term Contract

Hours:36 hours per week

Pay:£11- £13 per hour (depending on experience)

Criteria:

Skills, abilities & knowledge

  1. Experience of the operational management of a children’s play facility/project.
  1. A relevant level 3 qualification is essential and degree level is desirable.
  2. Ability and experience in supervising, supporting and motivating staff.
  3. Ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders including Children and Young People, Parents, Committee members, and other Marble Hill Playcentres staff, using excellent verbal, written and electronic skills.
  4. Ability to undertake administrative work.
  5. An understanding of play principles and their application in a setting such as Marble Hill Playcentres.
  6. An understanding of equal opportunities and its importance in service delivery and the operation of the centre.
  1. Experience or Knowledge of Wooden Structures/Self Build/Woodwork/Building Maintenance would be an advantage.

Contractual Requirements

  1. Ability to work flexible hours and to attend occasional out of hours events, e.g. training, Committee meetings.
  1. An enhanced CRB check is required.

P:\My Folder\Personal\Marble Hill centre\Application Packs\Senior Playworker MHP AP Feb2011.doc