Job RoleJob Ref: WYZ

Job Title: Junior club / Holiday CarePlayworker

Full time/part time: Mixed hours

Hours of work: Flexible

Salary: 7.50 per hour

Reporting to: Team Leader

Permanent/fixed term: Seasonal

Location: Wigan Youth Zone, Parsons Walk, Wigan

Job description

Overall purpose of the role:

Assisting with the operation of an integrated Junior & Holiday Club in accordance with agreed practices and policies. The delivery of high quality playcare and appropriate play opportunities for all children attending the scheme. Liaising with parents/carers and other partner agencies.

Key responsibilities:

  • To be child friendly, a playworker that children can rely on to be there and join in, someone speak to, a playworker who shows a genuine interest in the children we work with and realise the massive impact we have upon their lives
  • To plan, prepare and deliver safe, quality and appropriate activities that will meet the individual needs of the children you are working with. Activities that will challenge, develop and engage.
  • Effectively manage behaviour – be confident to challenge and manage negative behaviour, understand the child’s and your own emotional state, listen to the children involved and discuss the implications of their actions. Look for solutions. Support, teach and guide children to help them control their actions.
  • Create an environment and space that offers children the freedom and safety for them to play as they wish. Maintain, clean and look after the environment, and the resources which we use.
  • Follow and adhere tooperational procedures on every session – first aid, reduce or eliminate risks, supervise effectively, Safeguarding, professional boundaries, WYZ policies
  • To effectively communicate and liaise with each other, Parents/Carers, schools and other agencies in order to promote the children’s well-being.
  • To attend meetings as appropriate.
  • To assist in the day to day administration, record keeping, resources equipment and stock control.
  • To participate in promotional and supportive events
  • To administer First Aid if you are trained and qualified to do so.
  • To undertake & deliver appropriate training
  • To ensure premises and equipment are kept safe and clean condition and to be responsible for security when necessary.
  • To work within agreed policies and to carry out all responsibilities within equal opportunities framework.
  • To undertake a variety of clerical and administrative duties.
  • To assume some responsibility of monitoring Wigan Youth Zone Play spaces in order to report concerns or faults with equipment, remove rubbish.
  • To implement the policies and procedures of Wigan Youth Zone paying particular attention to the ‘Safeguarding’ and Behaviour Management’ in order to avoid or avert risk or conflict likely to disrupt users activities and play experiences in an adverse way.
  • To carry out such other duties as may be reasonably required by the scope and nature of the post.

In line with WYZ’s safeguarding policy, an enhanced DBS check is required to be undertaken on behalf of the successful candidate.

Person specification:

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, motivated individual with experience in working with children aged 8 – 12 years.

Theywill have a relevant qualification (Childcare, Early years,Playwork NVQ 2/3) or equivalent experience.

Experience/Qualifications/Training

  • BTEC National Certificate or NVQ level 2/3 in an appropriate subject or an equivalent level relevant professional qualification or demonstrated experience in a ‘Playcare’ environment working both indoor and outdoor.
  • Hold a first Aid Certificate or willing to undertake training
  • Willingness to undertake training
  • Previous experience on a Playcare setting providing a wide range of play activities and choices.
  • Experiences of working with volunteers, parents and partner organisations.

Skills/Knowledge

  • Understanding of child development and the importance of play.
  • Organisational Skills e.g. programme planning to give children choice and control over their own play. The programme will include trips away from Wigan Youth Zone.
  • Communication skills – verbal/written with children, adults, parents and carers
  • Awareness of health and safety at work
  • Understanding and commitment to equal opportunities
  • Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative
  • Understanding of good quality childcare and to care for children in a sensitive and responsible way.
  • Ability to meet children’s individual needs
  • Ability to provide safe creative play opportunities
  • Understanding of need for a flexible approach in meeting the needs of disabled children.
  • Accurately record and process information
  • To ensure the maintenance and upkeep of Wigan Youth Zone
  • To ensure that all equipment, toilets, storage areas are clean
  • Deal with difficult situations in a confident and responsible manner in line with Wigan Youth Zone policies and procedures.
  • Work on own initiative and under pressure.
  • To positively promote Customer Care
  • Knowledge of safeguarding issues and behaviour management
  • Knowledge of WYZ Commitment to equal opportunities and service delivery.

Physical Attributes

The ideal candidate will be expected to participate in play activities and undertake a wide variety of physical activities. The ideal candidate needs to be physically fit.

Other: Once offered the post – the ideal candidate MUST attend a mandatory training weekend which will include 2 x overnight stays. The date is Friday 7th July – Sunday 9th July.

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