Playspace Specialist

Title:

Playspace Specialist

Location:

Roxbury, MA

Reports to:

Senior Manager of Playspace Supervises: NAStatus, FLSA Class:
Full-time Exempt Date Revised:
January 2026

Our Mission Horizons for Homeless Children is a Boston-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of young children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. We help their families succeed by providing high-quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. Our advocacy efforts extend our impact and advance our vision of ending homelessness among families with young children.

The Playspace Program is based on the belief that play is essential for child development. Our Playspace Program ensures that children living in homeless shelters in Massachusetts have the opportunity for developmentally appropriate play. We build age-appropriate, child-friendly, and educational Play spaces in shelters and stock them with books, developmentally appropriate toys, and art supplies. Play spaces are staffed by trained volunteers, called Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs), who commit two hours weekly for at least six months.

In addition to facilitating the play that is crucial for children’s development, PALs enable parents to participate in activities such as parenting groups, budgeting classes, or job searches.

Summary of Position The Playspace Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting regional operations by managing a network of volunteers. This full-time position involves maintaining accurate volunteer records, overseeing the upkeep and restocking of Play spaces, and ensuring these environments are developmentally appropriate and trauma informed. The Specialist also educates volunteers on interacting with young children who have experienced homelessness, responds swiftly to all related correspondence, and ensures that volunteer shifts function smoothly.

The role includes working on-site in the office, on-site in shelters, and working from home.

Responsibilities Volunteer Placement & Records Place trained volunteers into shelter shifts based on shelter needs, volunteer availability, and location preferences

Conduct post-placement follow-ups with volunteers and shelter partners

Maintain accurate and up-to-date volunteer records in the database

Volunteer Management & Support Oversee daily Playspace shift operations and address immediate issues

Facilitate PAL trainings, Parent Community Meetings, and PAL Community Meetings Respond to volunteer communications within 24-48 hours

Track monthly attendance and follow up on missed shifts

Address volunteer concerns and escalate issues as needed

Conduct 4–6 monthly site visits to support volunteers and ensure smooth operations

Provide resources on trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate practices

Volunteer Retention Support retention efforts through regular communication, appreciation, and engagement

Attend shelter meetings and volunteer shifts as appropriate

Assist and/or lead volunteer trainings, events, and workshops

Playspace Quality & Shelter Support Support the Senior Manager of Playspace in maintaining high-quality, fully stocked Play spaces Organize, restock, and assist with installation and opening of new Play spaces Build and maintain strong relationships with shelter liaisons to support daily operations

Workspace

This is a 40-hour-a-week, full-time position. The work you will perform is somewhat active, taking place at desk, in an office setting working alongside others. You will also travel to the shelters in your region that you supervise. This position requires a driver’s license as well as a dependable vehicle.

You can expect to work onsite 3 days in the office, 1 day traveling to shelters and 1 remote (working from home) day. There will be occasional evening or weekend events with advanced planning and notice. There is a large staff room with indoor and outdoor space for breaks as well as a designated quiet room. Our beautiful office space is located:
Edgerley Family Horizons Center at 1785 Columbus Ave, Roxbury, MA.This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local and company policy concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, Background record check and health and safety training.

Wellbeing and Belonging The equitable world has always been at the center of Horizons’ mission, but in the last several years we’ve recommitted to the role Horizons plays in rectifying some of the problems we see and wish to address. Visit our Commitment to Workforce DEI page to learn more about what that looks like at Horizons for Homeless Children.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

For more information about Horizons, please visit horizons children.org.

Starting salary range, compensation, and benefits…