Q: 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.

Question 1

How old do I have to be to be a Play Captain?

Accepted Answer

Youth have to be between the ages of 15-19 years old by July 1st.

Question 2

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

When can I apply?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Do you hire teens through WorkReady?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Who is Fab Youth Philly and how are they connected to the Play Captain job?

Accepted Answer

Fab Youth Philly is the organization and the Play Captains is a project of Fab Youth Philly.

Question 6

Am I hired to I work for the Play Captain Initiative or Fab Youth Philly?

Accepted Answer

If you are hired, you will be hired to work for Fab Youth Philly as a Play Captain.

Question 7

Do I need a resume?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Am I automatically hired if I complete an application?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How long does it take to complete the application?

Accepted Answer

Completing the application will be different for everyone, but should take less than 20 minutes. Here are some tips for completing the application.

Question 10

Will I have to have an interview?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Is this a paid job?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We $11.00 per hour.

Question 12

How often do Play Captains get paid?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How many days per week does a Play Captain work?

Accepted Answer

During the summer, Play Captains work a total of 4 days per week. Monday - Thursday.

Question 14

How long is the job?

Accepted Answer

The job is six weeks long (and includes one week of paid training).

Question 15

Do I need my parent/caregiver's permission if I am hired?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Do I need working papers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What other paperwork will I need?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

I don't have my original social security card, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Here is a link to a website that can explain how to get a replacement social security card.

Question 19

I think I lost my birth certificate; how do I get a new one?

Accepted Answer

Download the application linked here and follow the directions to get a new birth certificate.

Question 20

Is there training to help prepare me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

What topics are covered during the training?

Accepted Answer

The  training includes learning about topics like: playful learning,  facilitation, teamwork, child development, effective communication, and  leadership.

Question 22

Where does the training take place?

Accepted Answer

The training takes place in various locations throughout Philadelphia and changes from year to year. 
​

Question 23

What if I need to miss work because my family has an obligation?

Accepted Answer

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. 
​

Question 24

Do I have to travel throughout Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

How do the Play Captains get to the Playstreets?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

Is it safe for the children to play on the Playstreets?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The streets are blocked off from traffic between 10am and 4pm.

Question 27

Will I be working with other teens?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 28

Do I have to wear a uniform?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 29

If I have more questions, who do I contact?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 30

What is an FAQ section?

Accepted Answer

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.

Frequently asked questions