Youth Participation and Engagement Playworker Internship (Paid)
Contract: Fixed Term Internship for 12 months
Hours: 35 hours per week including regular Saturdays and occasional evenings
Salary: £13.85 per hour (£25,207 per annum)
Start Date: March 2026
Location: ELHAP, 119 Roding Lane North, Woodford Bridge, Essex, IG8 8NA
We are looking for an energetic and creative individual who is passionate about working with children and young people with disabilities. You'll be a natural relationship-builder with a genuine enthusiasm for play, co-production, and empowering young people to help shape the services they use. Ideally, you'll bring strong communication skills, a collaborative spirit, a love of the great outdoors, and the desire to capture stories and feedback in imaginative ways!
If you're ready for a hands-on role where you'll develop playwork skills, drive youth participation, and grow professionally - all while making a real difference - then this role is for you!
About the Role
The Youth Participation and Engagement Playworker (Intern) will report to the Fundraising Manager, working closely with the Playwork team and volunteers to facilitate high-quality, inclusive play opportunities during our Playscheme sessions, which take place during school holidays and alternate Saturdays.
The Intern will play a key role in helping to shape ELHAP's services by amplifying young people's ideas, co-producing projects, and celebrating their achievements. They'll also support opportunities for funders and senior leaders to hear directly from children, young people, and volunteers about their experiences at ELHAP. This is a hands-on, varied position that ensures children and young people can have fun, be themselves, and actively help shape ELHAP's programmes, activities, and future direction.
The intern will receive full ELHAP Playworker training and is expected to participate fully in the Jack Petchey Internship Programme, making the most of the exceptional training and development opportunities.
About ELHAP
ELHAP is a magical and unique charity. Since 1976, we have been facilitating Adventure Play opportunities for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, whilst providing vital respite for their families and carers.
Our five-acre woodland in Redbridge plays host to an ancient orchard, a nature reserve and the biggest specialist Adventure Playground in the country! We also have indoor facilities, including soft playroom. Play is essential for a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and mental wellbeing and development. Our Playworkers meet each service user’s physical, sensory, communication and behavioural needs so that they can enjoy the freedom of playing imaginatively and adventurously, have fun, be challenged, and thrive!
How to Apply
Please click the APPLY button below to complete our online application form. In the application, you are welcome to upload your CV and a supporting statements.
Closing Date: 5:00pm on Friday 30th January 2026
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; the successful applicants will be expected to undertake satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosures. ELHAP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
ELHAP Charity Registration No: 1077508. ELHAP is an equal opportunities employer.
Job Description and Person Specification
ELHAP Youth Participation and Engagement Playworker Intern Job Description and Person Specification
