Job summary
As part of our Play Team, you will hold a caseload of children seen in regular sessions with clear aims and outcomes. This will involve working collaboratively with the family, multidisciplinary team and colleagues.
You will use your skills, knowledge and expertise in a variety of situations within the hospice as well as out in the community and in family homes. You will be trained and competent to work as a lone worker in the community. The service we provide is driven by the needs to the families we support – therefore flexibility and the ability to work weekends is essential.
A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle for business use is essential to cover our wide operating region. As a valued member of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, we will offer you free uniforms, free DBS, ongoing professional support and role-specific training.
Main duties of the job
You will enjoy creating engaging activities and play experiences for those in your care. You will ideally already have experience as a Play Specialist and be passionate about using play to build long-lasting relationships with babies, children, and young people. This post holder will require a wide variety of communication skills and knowledge of using communication aids e.g. Eye Gaze.
Knowledge of developmental play for children with complex needs and being able to adapt your skills to work in both a community and hospice setting will be essential. Your work will be varied, with sessions led by the child, requiring you to flexibly use your key skills to support their individual needs in the moment. You will work with many other departments at Noah’s Ark, with a focus on Child in Need Safeguarding and bereavement.
About us
Designed by families, for families, The Ark was opened in September 2019 by the Mayor of London. The grounds offer wheelchair-accessible outdoor experiences, including a Woodland Walk through a 7-acre nature reserve, a hydrotherapy pool, and overnight suites for families to be close to their loved ones.
At The Ark we are able to provide Specialist Care and Nursing for babies, children, and young people, supporting their full clinical, emotional, social, and practical needs. We have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves, and build confidence.
Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the charity has had a sustained period of growth over the last two years and we are looking for high-quality employees to come and be a part of that success.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Designed by families, for families, The Ark was opened in September 2019 by the Mayor of London. The grounds offer wheelchair accessible outdoor experiences, including a Woodland Walk through a 7-acre nature reserve, a hydrotherapy pool and overnight suites for families to be close to their loved ones. At The Ark we are able to provide Specialist Care and Nursing for babies, children and young people, supporting their full clinical, emotional, social and practical needs. We have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence. Rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, the charity has had a sustained period of growth over the last two years and we are looking for high quality employees to come and be a part of that success. Our expert staff and trained volunteers provide clinical, emotional and practical support for families across North and Central London and Herts Valley. We carefully adapt our support for every child and offer it wherever it is required - whether in their home, their community or at our state-of-the-art childrens hospice building, The Ark, in Barnet.
JOB DESCRIPTION
As part of our Play Team, you will hold a caseload of children seen in regular sessions with clear aims and outcomes. This will involve working collaboratively with the family, multidisciplinary team and colleagues. You will use your skills, knowledge and expertise in a variety of situations within the hospice as well as out in the community and in family homes. You will be trained and competent to work as a lone worker in the community. The service we provide is driven by the needs to the families we support therefore flexibility and the ability to work weekends is essential. A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle for business use is essential to cover our wide operating region. As a valued member of Noahs Ark Childrens Hospice, we will offer you free uniforms, free DBS, ongoing professional support and role-specific training.
ABOUT YOU
You will enjoy creating engaging activities and play experiences for those in your care. You will ideally already have experience as a Play Specialist and be passionate about using play to build long-lasting relationships with babies, children, and young people. This post holder will require a wide variety of communication skills and knowledge of using communication aids e.g. Eye Gaze. Knowledge of developmental play for children with complex needs and being able to adapt your skills to work in both a community and hospice setting will be essential. Your work will be varied, with sessions led by the child, requiring you to flexibly use your key skills to support their individual needs in the moment. You will work with many other departments at Noahs Ark, with a focus on Child in Need Safeguarding and bereavement.
Noahs Ark Childrens Hospice isanequal opportunity employerand particularly welcomesapplications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.
Our diversity council is working hard to constructpositive changes within our organisation. We are a disabilty confident employer andpart of our commitment is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.
Please refer to the Job description for further information on this role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Designed by families, for families, The Ark was opened in September 2019 by the Mayor of London. The grounds offer wheelchair accessible outdoor experiences, including a Woodland Walk through a 7-acre nature reserve, a hydrotherapy pool and overnight suites for families to be close to their loved ones. At The Ark we are able to provide Specialist Care and Nursing for babies, children and young people, supporting their full clinical, emotional, social and practical needs. We have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence. Rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, the charity has had a sustained period of growth over the last two years and we are looking for high quality employees to come and be a part of that success. Our expert staff and trained volunteers provide clinical, emotional and practical support for families across North and Central London and Herts Valley. We carefully adapt our support for every child and offer it wherever it is required - whether in their home, their community or at our state-of-the-art childrens hospice building, The Ark, in Barnet.
JOB DESCRIPTION
As part of our Play Team, you will hold a caseload of children seen in regular sessions with clear aims and outcomes. This will involve working collaboratively with the family, multidisciplinary team and colleagues. You will use your skills, knowledge and expertise in a variety of situations within the hospice as well as out in the community and in family homes. You will be trained and competent to work as a lone worker in the community. The service we provide is driven by the needs to the families we support therefore flexibility and the ability to work weekends is essential. A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle for business use is essential to cover our wide operating region. As a valued member of Noahs Ark Childrens Hospice, we will offer you free uniforms, free DBS, ongoing professional support and role-specific training.
ABOUT YOU
You will enjoy creating engaging activities and play experiences for those in your care. You will ideally already have experience as a Play Specialist and be passionate about using play to build long-lasting relationships with babies, children, and young people. This post holder will require a wide variety of communication skills and knowledge of using communication aids e.g. Eye Gaze. Knowledge of developmental play for children with complex needs and being able to adapt your skills to work in both a community and hospice setting will be essential. Your work will be varied, with sessions led by the child, requiring you to flexibly use your key skills to support their individual needs in the moment. You will work with many other departments at Noahs Ark, with a focus on Child in Need Safeguarding and bereavement.
Noahs Ark Childrens Hospice isanequal opportunity employerand particularly welcomesapplications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.
Our diversity council is working hard to constructpositive changes within our organisation. We are a disabilty confident employer andpart of our commitment is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.
Please refer to the Job description for further information on this role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ, CACHE, NNEB (Level 3) in Child Care/Play Work or equivalent
- Evidence of commitment to continued professional development
Desirable
- Registered & Qualified as a Health Play Specialist holding a Foundation Degree in Health Care Play Specialism or previous HPSC/HPSEB, Edexcel PDC/HND in Hospital Play Specialism or overseas equivalent
- Qualification in Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL)
Skills / Knowledge / Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with children and/or young people in a health care/education setting
- Detailed knowledge of current health legislation and NAHPS Guidelines for professional practice.
- Comprehensive knowledge and application of therapeutic assessments and interventions relevant to patient group and treatment plan.
- Knowledge and awareness of the emotional and personal impact of the work, and full understanding of developmental milestones/targets
- Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Ability to self-manage or seek help appropriately.
- Ability to record information in a concise, accurate and legible manner
Desirable
- Experience of working with children in the palliative care setting or caring for children/young people with complex care needs
- Experience of working in a hospice of charity
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to undertake audit and evaluation processes.
Behavioural / Personal
Essential
- Flexibility to work some evenings & weekends
- Experience of working independently towards shared goals and objectives
- Ability to ensure that internal policies and procedures are complied with
- Ability to show compassion and patience when dealing with children and complex family dynamics
- Ability to understand and adhere to professional boundaries and demonstrate complex thinking
- Ability to demonstrate the quality of relaxed awareness in complex and challenging situations
- Ability to live Noahs Ark values of kindness, courage and excellence
Desirable
Misc
Essential
- Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check
- Willing to undergo immunisation checks and immunisations where applicable
- Full drivers licence
- Provide evidence of a right to work in the UK
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ, CACHE, NNEB (Level 3) in Child Care/Play Work or equivalent
- Evidence of commitment to continued professional development
Desirable
- Registered & Qualified as a Health Play Specialist holding a Foundation Degree in Health Care Play Specialism or previous HPSC/HPSEB, Edexcel PDC/HND in Hospital Play Specialism or overseas equivalent
- Qualification in Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL)
Skills / Knowledge / Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with children and/or young people in a health care/education setting
- Detailed knowledge of current health legislation and NAHPS Guidelines for professional practice.
- Comprehensive knowledge and application of therapeutic assessments and interventions relevant to patient group and treatment plan.
- Knowledge and awareness of the emotional and personal impact of the work, and full understanding of developmental milestones/targets
- Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Ability to self-manage or seek help appropriately.
- Ability to record information in a concise, accurate and legible manner
Desirable
- Experience of working with children in the palliative care setting or caring for children/young people with complex care needs
- Experience of working in a hospice of charity
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to undertake audit and evaluation processes.
Behavioural / Personal
Essential
- Flexibility to work some evenings & weekends
- Experience of working independently towards shared goals and objectives
- Ability to ensure that internal policies and procedures are complied with
- Ability to show compassion and patience when dealing with children and complex family dynamics
- Ability to understand and adhere to professional boundaries and demonstrate complex thinking
- Ability to demonstrate the quality of relaxed awareness in complex and challenging situations
- Ability to live Noahs Ark values of kindness, courage and excellence
Desirable
Misc
Essential
- Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check
- Willing to undergo immunisation checks and immunisations where applicable
- Full drivers licence
- Provide evidence of a right to work in the UK
Desirable
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
