Family Play Worker

Salary: £17,226.35 - £19,439.19 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed Term post until 31/03/2025

Hours: Part Time 25 hours per week

Location of post: Port Talbot Civic Centre SA13 1PJ

We are currently looking for a Family Play Worker to work as part of an exciting project advising and supporting families through play, in Neath Port Talbot. The post is for maternity cover and may include evenings and occasional weekend working.

The successful candidate will be responsible for - Improving family play opportunities, encouraging families to spend time together and strengthen their relationships. Mainly, families are referred to the project from other agencies, including Team Around the Family and Children's Social Services, although families are able to apply directly themselves. Many families working with the team are vulnerable or have complex needs and, as such, it is essential that you are able to approach the work in an open and non-judgemental way, providing support to families at their home.

The main duties of the post;

To work with families in 1:1 and group settings, using play as a means to facilitate discussion and to promote the importance of play for children. To role model appropriate adult involvement and intervention in children's play. To receive referrals and plan appropriate activities in order to address identified issues. To provide families with practical, realistic ideas and advice in order that they can support quality play for their children throughout their childhood, at home and beyond

You will have experience in/of;

You will be enthusiastic about children's play and have experience of providing varied and quality play opportunities for children and young people. You will have experience of working directly with parents and/or families, experience of facilitating group work or discussions and experience of evaluating work against project outcomes. You will also have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively with adults and children alike.

Ideally you will have;

Level 3 or above qualification in playwork OR Level 3 or above CCLD (or other relevant subject) with clear evidence of additional play training is essential. You should have good IT skills and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office in order to update and maintain electronic systems and prepare information for families. You will also be well organised, able to manage your time effectively and work efficiently with minimum supervision. Maintaining accurate family records is key and as such, excellent numeracy and literacy skills are required.

The project works across Neath Port Talbot and the post holder must have access to a vehicle for work purposes for travel and for carrying any play resources needed for their sessions.

Your workstyle will be a mobile hybrid worker in this role, which gives you the flexibility to work from home and from a variety of Council workplaces.

For an informal discussion, please contact Kirsty Lock on

Phone: 07791231621 or

Email: [email protected]

DBS requirements:

This post is subject to a DBS Enhanced (Child) disclosure.

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.

The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh Language Requirements:

Welsh Language skills are desirable when appointed to the post.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans.

In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Applicants must meet the essential criteria for the post to qualify for this. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.