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  • How old do I have to be to be a Play Captain?
    Youth have to be between the ages of 15-19 years old by July 1st.
  • How do I apply?
    There is a brief application you have to fill out. Please be sure you follow the directions to make it as easy as possible for us to hire you. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Email us at info@playcaptains.com with the subject line: I need help with the application, please
  • When can I apply?
    Applications will go live on or by April 15, 2023. Follow us on social media to stay connected and be the first to know when the application is released.
  • Do you hire teens through WorkReady?
    We do! We partner with providers like Parks & Recreation to fill some of our slots and hire teens. If you'd like to apply to be a Play Captain through WorkReady, start the process by completing our application by clicking here. If you complete the WorkReady application on your own, you will need a specific code. Check back around April of 2023 for that information.
  • Who is Fab Youth Philly and how are they connected to the Play Captain job?
    Fab Youth Philly is the organization and the Play Captains is a project of Fab Youth Philly.
  • Am I hired to I work for the Play Captain Initiative or Fab Youth Philly?
    If you are hired, you will be hired to work for Fab Youth Philly as a Play Captain.
  • Do I need a resume?
    No, you do not need a resume, but it is recommended. ​What if I don't have a resume? You can click on this link for tips to making a resume and an example.
  • Am I automatically hired if I complete an application?
    No. People will have to go through a brief screening process, that will take place as a phone call or video chat BEFORE they are officially offered the job.
  • How long does it take to complete the application?
    Completing the application will be different for everyone, but should take less than 20 minutes. Here are some tips for completing the application.
  • Will I have to have an interview?
    Maybe. If your application is accepted, we may contact you for an interview; it really depends on what we are able to do in regards to safety and Covid-19. Please make sure all of your contact information is up to date. We generally contact people through email, which is how many businesses and organizations communicate. So, it's good to get in the practice of it now.
  • Is this a paid job?
    Yes! We $11.00 per hour.
  • How often do Play Captains get paid?
    Play Captains get paid by check every two weeks. It is distributed at the workplace every other Friday. Play Captains CAN request to have direct deposit. We do not require people to have direct deposit, but it is optional.
  • How many days per week does a Play Captain work?
    During the summer, Play Captains work a total of 4 days per week. Monday - Thursday.
  • How long is the job?
    The job is six weeks long (and includes one week of paid training).
  • Do I need my parent/caregiver's permission if I am hired?
    Yes. Your parent/guardian will need to sign some paper work if you are under 18 and if you are offered the job stating they understand what the job is.
  • Do I need working papers?
    We do not require them, but you should have them. Click on this link and you can find out where and when you can get your working papers.
  • What other paperwork will I need?
    You will need access to your original birth certificate and social security card, a valid photo ID (ideally a Pennsylvania state ID, but a school ID can work), copy of your school schedule or report card.
  • I don't have my original social security card, what should I do?
    Here is a link to a website that can explain how to get a replacement social security card.
  • I think I lost my birth certificate; how do I get a new one?
    Download the application linked here and follow the directions to get a new birth certificate.
  • Is there training to help prepare me?
    Yes. Everyone will go through a week of training to learn how to be an effective Play Captain. EVERYONE must successfully complete the training before they are allowed to work on the Play Streets.
  • What topics are covered during the training?
    The training includes learning about topics like: playful learning, facilitation, teamwork, child development, effective communication, and leadership.
  • Where does the training take place?
    The training takes place in various locations throughout Philadelphia and changes from year to year. ​
  • What if I need to miss work because my family has an obligation?
    You should communicate with your supervisor as soon as you know when you will be absent. REMEMBER: You are NOT paid for days you aren't at work. ​
  • Do I have to travel throughout Philadelphia?
    You might have to. We currently run the Play Captain Initiative in the Kensington & Hunting Parks area of North Philly & the West Powelton, Powelton Village, Mantua, Belmont, West Belmont, Mill Creek, and Saunders Park areas of West Philly. If you live in one of these areas the neighborhood may already be familiar to.
  • How do the Play Captains get to the Playstreets?
    Each day, the Play Captains load up a cart (like a cart to take the the laundromat) with the materials they will need and then they walk together to their Play Streets. They walk A LOT each day from Playstreet to Playstreet. We try to keep them within a quarter of a mile from each other and the home base.
  • Is it safe for the children to play on the Playstreets?
    Yes! The streets are blocked off from traffic between 10am and 4pm.
  • Will I be working with other teens?
    Yes. You will be working on a team with 3-5 other teens. Being a Play Captain is a great way to meet new people!
  • Do I have to wear a uniform?
    Play Captains are required to wear a red Play Captain t-shirt (each person gets 3 shirts, that we will provide) to work on Monday-Friday. They can dress business casual on Fridays for professional development. They are also required to carry their Bex Deck, wear a name tag and closed-toe shoes. They may wear shorts (they must be at least a 5" inseam).
  • If I have more questions, who do I contact?
    You can contact: info@PlayCaptains.com BEFORE you email us, take a look at this example of a professional email. You can also watch this brief video by The Philadelphia Youth Network for how to create a professional email address, how to send a professional email and how to manage your social media presence.
  • What is an FAQ section?
    An FAQ section can be used to quickly answer common questions about you or your business, such as “Where do you ship to?”, “What are your opening hours?” or “How can I book a service?” It’s a great way to help people navigate your site and can even boost your site’s SEO.
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