Specialist Playworker

Job Title: Specialist Playworker
Salary: per annum
Grade: D

Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week

We are looking for a Specialist Playworker to work with children aged 4-18 with a broad spectrum of needs. The role involves direct support, specialist health care tasks and coordination with multi‑disciplinary teams.

• Undertake direct work with disabled children of all ages, particularly those with complex needs.
• Write and oversee care planning for children with specialist health care needs.
• Complete specialist health care tasks such as enteral feeding, suction, oxygen administration, diabetes management, epilepsy awareness, manual handling and administration of emergency medication.
• Train and support staff in specialist health care tasks.
• Manage and oversee the complex needs group.
• Work closely with the specialist health care team to ensure staff training is up to date.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Liaise with other agencies involved with the child (Social Care, Education, Health, Children’s Community Nursing Team, training provider Provide Essex).
• Assess needs and provide specialist health care support to ensure individual health care needs are met.
• Work with families in their homes and build good relationships with parents/carers.
• Assist in setting up and putting away activity equipment during sessions.
• Carry out detailed observations.
• Plan, lead and facilitate short break sessions for disabled children, taking overall responsibility for children and staff.
• Maintain the play area, ensuring safety, cleanliness and an enriching learning environment.
• Develop positive relationships with children and young people who attend our services.
• Engage and support children and young people in social, recreational decision‑making opportunities.
• Support developmental needs of children and young people accessing our service.
• Work effectively with colleagues to provide a safe and stimulating environment.
• Attend multi‑professional meetings and maintain case recordings/prepare reports for meetings.
• Report to the Team Manager any changes in child behaviour, injuries or other incidents.
• Provide outreach support to children and families in their homes.
• Help support independence and life‑skills development for young people.
• Undertake specific identified work with individual young people.

The successful applicant will hold a Level 3 childcare qualification (or equivalent) and have at least 3 years of experience working with disabled children with complex needs in a professional setting.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced level with Children’s Barred list required.

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexibility and hybrid working (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Redeployment only: 6th November 2025

Internal & External: 16th November 2025

To be confirmed.

As part of the Safer Recruitment process Gap Management is required for all safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid and upload under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Upload copies of any relevant qualifications if listed as essential in the Job Profile or Person Specification.