_{31st July, 2026}

Female Safe House & Community Play Worker
  
Location: Bristol Salary: £28,142 per annum (pro rata) Hours: 18.5 hours per week (Wednesday 8:30am–5:30pm, other day to be discussed) Contract: Permanent
  
  
Please note: This post is open to female applicants only under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 (Genuine Occupational Requirement).
  
Role Summary:
  
We are recruiting for a compassionate and enthusiastic Female Safe House & Community Play Worker to support children and families who have experienced domestic abuse.
  
Working across both refuge accommodation and community settings, you will plan and deliver engaging play sessions that help children recover from trauma, build confidence and develop positive relationships. You'll work closely with mothers and carers to support the parent-child relationship while creating safe, nurturing spaces where children can express themselves through structured and free play.
  
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families as part of a supportive, dedicated team.
  
Day-to-Day Duties:

• Plan and deliver creative, age-appropriate play activities for pre-school and school-aged children.
• Provide practical and emotional support to children and families living within refuge accommodation and community services.
• Help children process and recover from the effects of domestic abuse through therapeutic and developmental play.
• Support parents to strengthen positive relationships with their children and promote healthy family dynamics.
• Organise and supervise children's activities both on-site and within the local community.
• Work alongside colleagues to ensure a safe, welcoming and child-focused environment.
• Build positive relationships with schools, health professionals, social care teams and other partner agencies to meet children's individual needs.
• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, following organisational policies and statutory guidance.
• Maintain accurate case records, activity logs and monitoring information in line with GDPR and organisational requirements.
• Support the smooth day-to-day operation of the service, including maintaining safe play environments and contributing to group activities and events.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers, colleagues and external professionals to deliver high-quality support.

  
About You:

• Experience supporting children, young people or families who may have experienced trauma, abuse or other challenging life circumstances.
• Understanding of child development, safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with children, parents and carers from a wide range of backgrounds.
• A compassionate, patient and child-centred approach with excellent communication skills.
• Confident delivering engaging play activities that support children's emotional wellbeing and development.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and trauma-informed practice.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle would be advantageous.
• Relevant qualification in childcare, play work, youth work or a related field is desirable.

  
Benefits:

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Regular supervision and support from an experienced management team.
• Opportunity to work within a highly respected specialist service supporting children and families.
• Inclusive and supportive working environment committed to staff wellbeing.
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference to children and families recovering from domestic abuse.

  
  
To apply for this role, please apply through the website or call Nathan Jackson on 0117 923 9100.
  

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