Job Description

Come and Join Us!

We are hiring a Playworker for our South Essex Family Groups In Basildon

Term Time working: 39 weeks per year.

Salary: 12.21 per hour.

We are seeking a Playworker for 4/8 hours per week who will be responsible for helping to deliver our Family Group and SEN (Special Educational Needs) Group support service in the Basildon area.

Home-Start Essex is a leading family support organisation that provides high-quality family-led services for those with children under 5 years old. By offering a range of services we support families to overcome a range of issues such as anxiety, isolation, domestic abuse, mental health, financial stress, school readiness.

We offer weekly Family Groups in several areas in Essex for our supported families to help them to develop and feel more confident with parenting and school readiness. We provide a programme of advice, support, and the opportunity to meet other parents in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.

The successful candidate

must have

NVQ level 2 in Early Years Childcare and Education (or equivalent qualification)and the relevant experience of working with families and children in a group setting.

The use of own car (expenses paid) is essential.

Salary: 12.21 per hour

Working hours: 4/8 hours per week for 39 weeks per year. Term time only.

Our ideal candidate would be based near Basildon and must be able to drive and have access to a car.

An enhanced DBS check and suitable references are also required.

Some of the main tasks of the role are listed below but please read the FULL job description for details:

To welcome all parents/carers to the family group recognising the importance of their role as prime educators for their children.

To be aware of group dynamics ensuring the groups provide a non-judgemental environment for both parent and children. To encourage the active participation of parents in play and other activities as appropriate.
Work in conjunction with the Family Group Worker to prepare in advance suitable play activities on a termly programme.

To provide a list of required art/craft items on a 6 monthly basis to the Area Lead Coordinator and once agreed by management, to purchase the items.

To assist the Family Group Worker in setting up and tidying away at each session ensuring all equipment is safe and hygienic.

To cover the groups for the Family Group Worker in any absence and ensure administrative tasks are completed.

To ensure that the Family Group Worker is made aware of any accidents that may occur and to ensure they are recorded in the accident form.

To participate in supervision and other meetings as appropriate and take part in relevant training and group meetings to enhance personal and professional development and practice.

To apply for the role please complete an application form which can be found on our website: www.home-startessex.org.uk.

Please refer to the and Job Specification when completing the form.

Please note we DO NOT accept CVs.

If you would like to discuss any further details of the job confidentially with the Area Lead Co-ordinator please contact us on 01245 847410.

This post is subject to a successful 6-month probationary period.

CLOSING DATE: 5pm Friday 1st August 2025

INTERVIEW DATE: scheduled for 21st/22nd August 2025

Home-Start Essex is committed to equality of opportunity and works to 'Safer Recruitment' practices as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: 4 - 8 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress On-site parking Sick pay
Experience:

Early childhood education: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Basildon SS14 (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 01/08/2025
Reference ID: Playworker - BAS