DEPT: / Community and Environmental / JOB TITLE: / Play Development Officer
SECTION: / Leisure and Community
LOCATION: / Three Rivers House / POST CODE: / PL0903 / GRADE: / SO1
RESPONSIBLE TO: / Leisure Development Manager
DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR: / INDIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Skate Park Co-ordinator, Senior Play Ranger, playscheme workers, skate park supervisors, youth support workers, play rangers and other casual employees. / ------
FUNCTIONAL CONTACTS: / EXTERNAL CONTACTS:
With all departments of the Council. / HCC Children, School’s & Family Services (Social Services and Education), Ofsted, Criminal Records Bureau, Skillsactive, Eastern Region Statutory & Voluntary bodies. Local community groups and schools. Members of public; media, other local authorities.
PLACE IN ORGANISATION CHART OF DEPARTMENT:
The provision, promotion, development and management of play projects, playschemes and the Croxley skate park facility for children and young people aged 5 to 18, throughout the Three Rivers district.
PREPARED BY: / AGREED BY HEAD OF DEPT: / AGREED BY POSTHOLDER:
INITIALS ______/ SIGNATURE ______/ SIGNATURE ______
DATE ______/ DATE ______/ DATE ______
Date amended: SO/05.02.93, SO/29.6.93,04.05.94,17.06.96, AW/27.08.98,25.1.99,8.2.99; TCH/AW 1.5.01 AP and ST May 2004 AP Aug 08 April 2012
SUMMARY OF MAIN DUTIES:
The provision, promotion, development and management of play projects and CroxleyGreenSkatePark facility, for children and young people aged 5 to 18 throughout the Three Rivers District.
Strategic and Operational Responsibilities:
1)Responsible for identifying how play can meet the needs of the local community in addressing issues such as; health, anti-poverty, social exclusion as outlined in the Council’s strategic plan.
2)In consultation with the local community, voluntary groups and elected members, assist the Leisure Development Manager with the development of outdoor recreational facilities and play areas.
3)To liaise with the Council’s Maintenance and Environmental Services Department to ensure all new play areas, recreational facilities and new skate facilities are transferred to the maintenance contract.
4)To develop and review the district Play Strategy, identifying links with other statutory organisations, schools, local voluntary groups and other Council departments.
5)To work with the local community and voluntary groups in order to enhance existing or develop new play opportunities throughout the district. Support voluntary groups and Parish Council’s with applications for grant aid via the Council’s Leisure & Community Grants scheme and other appropriate funding opportunities.
6)To assist the Leisure Development Manager in the development and implementation of the departmental service plan.
7)To represent the Council at District and County meeting’s/partnerships, such as the Hertfordshire Play Officers Group and District Children’s Trust Partnership task groups.
8)To provide operational advice and support on Safeguarding to the Head of Leisure and Community Services/Community Partnerships Manager as required.
Financial Responsibilities:
9)To monitor and control the playscheme, play ranger & skate park budgets, providing monthly reports to the Leisure Development Manager.
10)To be responsible for the ordering, purchase and payment of goods and services required in accordance with the Council’s financial system.
11)To monitor, record & report all attendance and financial information for all play and skate park activities, using departmental and corporate performance indicator formats.
12)To actively seek and secure external funding for projects from a range of sources, national, regionally and locally.
Project & Personnel Responsibilities:
13)To manage the playscheme service for all children and young people at various community locations throughout the district.
14)To ensure that all Council play activity programmes for children meet national Ofsted Standards.
15)To manage the day-to-day operation of the Council’s Croxley skate park facility, being a responsible key holder & emergency contact outside normal office hours.
16)To manage the Skate Park Co-ordinator, enabling them to operate the site safely & appropriately.
17)To manage the Senior Play Ranger and team of staff in delivering the Play Rangers community play project.
18)To manage the Playscheme Referral Scheme in partnership with other local voluntary, private and statutory play providers.
19)Recruit, train & manage skate park staff, play workers and tutors who are employed on a part-time and casual basis.
20)To design, develop & implement the delivery of appropriate annual staff training programmes for all part-time and casual staff.
21)To be responsible for carrying out corporate Risk Assessment procedures at venues used in play and skate park activities and ensure all additional health & safety procedures are implemented and followed by all staff.
22)To develop, write & review policies and procedures for all play and skate park staff and ensure they are fully trained and aware of their obligations with regards to child protection, health and safety.
23)To ensure that all district council play and skate park activities continue to comply with up to date appropriate legislation and codes of good practice.
24)To work with the Marketing Officer and development team to ensure clear marketing and appropriate communication plans are implemented for the services.
Other Responsibilities:
25)To be available to work unsociable hours as & when the post demands.
26)To write reports & attend panel meetings with Councillors if required.
27)To undertake other duties which may be delegated from time to time and which are appropriate to the grading of the post.
IMPORTANT NOTES RELATING TO DUTIES
In dealing with any form of contract or tendering procedures on behalf of the Council, the holder of this post is personally responsible for ensuring that he/she:-
(a)is familiar with the relevant requirements of Standing Orders, Contract Regulations, Financial Regulations, Code of Official Conduct and other management guidance that may be given from time to time;
(b)complies with these formal requirements and related procedures; and
(c)seeks advice from a more senior officer if in any doubt about the proper course of action.
NB
This job is as currently perceived but management reserve the right to alter it in consultation with the post-holder in order to update it and take account of any changes identified. It is anticipated that annual appraisal will lead to updating of the job description.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMANCE OF JOB:
ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
A playwork or childcare qualification to level 2 or diploma or degree in leisure management is desirable.
Basic education at GCSE level (A-C grades) including maths and English are essential.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Up to 2 years experience in children’s play services environment.
SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILL OR PERSONALITY REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge of Ofsted and childcare standards in provision of services
Knowledge of child protection and Criminal Record Bureau policies and procedures
Knowledge of health and safety requirements
Ability to get on with people of all ages and backgrounds
Ability to lead teams of staff
Outgoing character
Good organisational ability
Good administration skills
OTHER FACTORS
Current driving licence and personal transport are essential
Flexibility to work unsociable hours as and when the post demands
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