Children's Playworker

Salary £24,995

Location Luton

This is a Temporary, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.

The Vacancy

Children’s Playworker – 37.5 hours per week - Fixed-term contract for 2 years

Starting salary £24,995 per annum, with room to develop and progress through the pay grade banding up to £25,371 per annum.

Are you an enthusiastic and positive person with experience of working with children and young people with life limiting conditions? Are you creative and passionate about the importance of play when working with children with complex needs? This is an exciting opportunity to join our Children’s Services Team and provide play and recreational activities to children and young people in their home, community settings and in the Hospice.

Key Responsibilities:

To work alongside the Play Specialists to promote the importance of play
To provide a positive, warm and welcoming environment to children and their families
Ensure children receive appropriate play and stimulation according to their emotional and developmental needs
To play a key role in providing children, siblings and families with positive memory experiences

What we’re looking for:

Knowledge of providing care for children with complex medical needs
Understanding of safeguarding children
Excellent communication skills
IT skills
UK driving licence and confidence driving to new places
Flexibility and adaptability

Why join us:

A competitive salary and generous annual leave
Ability to carry over your existing NHS pension scheme
Healthcare scheme
Free car parking and cycle to work scheme
Career development and progression opportunities
A caring, supportive and inclusive environment

For further details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification below.

Interview date: 17th September 2026

As an equal opportunity and disability confident leader accredited employer, we value diversity in our workplace. We appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences everyone brings, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

If you require any assistance completing the application form, or would like to arrange an informal chat about the role, please contact recruitment@keech.org.uk

The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure and barring services (DBS) check.

The Company

Keech Hospice provides free specialist palliative and end of life care for people of all ages. We support adults in Bedfordshire. Children and their families in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Milton Keynes. At home, in hospice, or wherever we’re needed.

As a teaching hospice, our exceptional people, training, and facilities are helping local communities to live and die well.

Benefits

Competitive
salary

Cycle-to-work*
scheme

Support with health and wellbeing

Training and development

Staff representative group*

Cash
health plan*

*Dependent on role.

Our Locations

Testimonials

Faith

“Having worked for my previous employer for over 12 years, moving to a new organisation was always going to be daunting. I am glad I made that leap! I was welcomed into the team from day one and have always felt supported by my manager and the wider team.”

Lesley

“I love my role at Keech Hospice, it's a real privilege to support families on their journey. Keech is such a beautiful place, and everyone has the same ethos and values. Making the difference when it matters the most.”

Laurence

“I love working at Keech Hospice Care because you see and feel the difference you are making first-hand. I feel trusted and valued here as the specialist in my area. Every day is different and I love being able to work with various departments.”