Spirited Play Labs is a membership-based inclusive play and community space for families with children (typically ages ~18 months to 8 years). It’s designed to provide a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment where kids, including those who are neurodivergent, disabled, or behaviorally different, can play authentically. Parents can connect and find support. The organization emphasizes inclusion, community connection, and developmental growth through play, with offerings like open play membership, therapeutic play coaching, and virtual parent support.

The Social Hangouts Lead Play Coach provides leadership for the planning, implementation, and quality of the Social Hangouts program across all Spirited Play Labs locations. This position ensures that every Social Hangouts experience reflects the organization’s commitment to play, relationships, neurodiversity affirming practices, and true belonging.

The Lead Play Coach creates engaging, developmentally appropriate group experiences, partnering with families, and maintaining consistency in programming across sites.

Education and Experience

• Experience: Play Coaches have worked at Spirited Play Labs at least 2 months and have some experience working with neurodivergent or disabled children (minimum 6 months). Experience working with neurodivergent children for six months or more demonstrates a strong foundation in supporting diverse learning and behavioral needs. This includes patience, empathy, and the ability to build trust and consistency—essential qualities when working with children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other neurodiverse profiles.
• Education: They should at minimum have a high school diploma. 
• Play Coaches will complete the DIR/Floortime 101course once they are hired for this role. They must begin Play Coaching Training through SPL’s video and virtual training, and observe current Play Coaches for at least 2 sessions. They must meet with the Program Director throughout their training and commit to a monthly schedule of 1:1 supervision.

Essential Functions

Program Leadership

• Alongside the Program Director, leads the implementation of the Social Hangouts program across all SPL locations.
• Ensure consistency in program philosophy, routines, expectations, and quality while allowing flexibility to meet the unique needs of each group.
• Plan developmentally appropriate, engaging, and playful group experiences that encourage curiosity, connection, and belonging.
• Maintain a balance between preparation and flexibility, following the interests and needs of the children.
• Evaluate the success of the program and recommend improvements based on observations, family feedback, and staff input.
• Protect and cultivate the culture of Social Hangouts by ensuring that every decision, from the physical environment to staff interactions and parent communication, reflects the mission of creating true belonging through play.
• Partner with the Program Director to continue developing and refining the Social Hangouts program as the needs of children, families, and the community evolve.

Session Facilitation

• Lead group play sessions using evidence-based therapeutic play techniques
• Create individualized play plans based on each child's unique needs and goals
• Implement appropriate interventions and activities aligned with program methodology
• Adapt session approach based on child's responses and developmental progress
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and professional relationship standards
• Foster a safe, nurturing environment that promotes growth and exploration
• This includes using one's body effectively for the physical support and defense of oneself and others. 

Assessment & Documentation

• Coordinate materials and supplies needed across all Social Hangouts sites.
• Assist with scheduling, staffing recommendations, and program preparation as requested.
• Assist with planning seasonal sessions, family communications, and special events.
• Conduct initial and ongoing informal assessments of child development and needs
• Observe and document detailed notes on sensory profiles, child behavior, play themes, and progress
• Track developmental milestones and areas for growth
• Maintain comprehensive and confidential session records
• Complete progress reports at three/six months and review with parents/caregivers
• Complete all documentation within required timeframes

Staff Leadership

• Train, mentor, and support Social Hangouts Play Coaches and assistants.
• Model high quality play coaching, co regulation, and parent coaching throughout each session.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and encouragement to staff to promote professional growth.
• Support onboarding of new team members and ensure they understand the philosophy and expectations of Social Hangouts.
• Collaborate with Site Managers and the Program Director to ensure consistency across all locations.
• Assist in creating staff training materials and contribute to ongoing program development.

Family Communication

• Communicate effectively with caregivers about session highlights and child progress
• Provide appropriate feedback and guidance to support families
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with families
• Collaborate with caregivers to ensure consistency between sessions and home
• Address caregiver questions and concerns or escalate as appropriate

Professional Development

• Participate in regular supervision and coaching sessions
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development
• Incorporate feedback into practice
• Stay current on therapeutic play approaches and child development research
• Collaborate with other Play Coaches to share best practices

Work Context

Work Setting - Fast-paced environment requiring high energy and adaptability. Exposure to typical noise levels associated with children's play environments. Emotional resilience required for working with children experiencing challenges.

Body Positioning -  Candidates must be able to follow children actively as they move through the facility, which frequently requires sitting on the floor, bending, and transitioning quickly back to a standing position. Because the environment is physically demanding, the role requires the ability to respond swiftly to unexpected child movements to ensure the protection and safety of all participants. Additionally, must be capable of occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs as needed.

Work Attire - Casual.

Office Hours - Weekday afternoons (1pm-7pm), and Saturday (9-3pm)

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Spirited Play Labs is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace as an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category. We maintain a drug-free workplace and adhere strictly to all applicable state and federal laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and ensure equal access to opportunities for all employees and applicants.