Play Worker jobs in London

Why Southwark?

Do you see yourself making a real difference in young people’s lives?

Can you use your experience to inspire, engage, and support the next generation?

Does the opportunity to join a dynamic and impactful service that puts young people at the heart of everything it does excite you?

If so, we have the perfect role for you.

Our Play Team is looking for 2 part time passionate and dedicated Playworkers to join our team and help deliver positive outcomes for young people across Southwark.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Playworker, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and engaging activities for young people across the borough. Working within youth centres and community settings, you will support the planning and delivery of programmes that promote confidence, wellbeing, personal development, and positive relationships.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to provide safe, accessible, and responsive services, while helping to create welcoming environments where young people can thrive. Regular supervision and support will be provided to help you develop and succeed in the role.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals who are passionate about supporting young people and making a positive impact within their communities.

You will be able to demonstrate:

Experience of working with young people in a youth work, play work, childcare, education, or community setting.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with young people. A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, equality, and diversity.
• A proactive, flexible, and organised approach to work.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Angela Barrett at angela.barrett@southwark.gov.uk.

Additional Information
Relevant qualifications in youth work, play work, childcare, or a related field (desirable).

Location: 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH. Hours of work: 22 Hours Per Week.
• Type of contract: x 2 Permanent Positions (1 post Tuesday to Saturday/ 1 post Monday to Friday).

This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced – Children’s (Barred) level.

Please note that we are unable to accept applications from individuals who require visa sponsorship.

This vacancy is subject to the council’s redeployment arrangements. Eligible redeployees will be considered first, and the vacancy may be withdrawn if a suitable redeployee is appointed.

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment Timeline:

Advert close date: 11:59pm on 22/11/2026.

Shortlisting date: 25/11/2026.

Interview date: 08/12/2026.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

Job Reference: SC08480