Job summary
We are looking for a dynamic Health Play Specialist to join our well established Play Service Team in caring for children at Leicester Children's Hospital, supporting children through their hospital journey.
The successful applicant will need to have the ability to implement developmental, therapeutic and specialised play to children and young people from birth to 18 years in an environment that changes constantly. You will also have experience in preparation, distraction and post procedural play techniques for a wide range of procedures and conditions.
The role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to prioritise workloads, use your own initiative and be flexible and adaptable to the needs of the service. You will need to be able to work independently and as part of a large multi-disciplinary team.
You will also have a broad knowledge of Child development with experience of working in a health care setting (hospital or community health)
Core shifts are over a 7 day period and you will be required to work some weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.
Applicants must hold the Health Play specialist qualification and be registered with SOHPS, also have a relevant level 3 childcare qualification.
Main duties of the job
-
To meet the play and emotional needs of all children and their families attending the Children's Services Directorate.To organise, initiate and supervise play for the sick child from birth to adolescents. Appropriate to their development, medical condition and background
-
To maintain HPS portfolio demonstrating professional development and complying with re registration requirements as a HPS.
-
To be responsible for achieving standards of care set by example and direction.
-
To be involved in Personal and Development reviews
-
To support play audits
-
To demonstrate flexibility when required to work in other areas
-
To participate in play team meetings
-
To review and reflect on own practice and performance through the effective use of clinical supervision and appraisal
-
To attend mandatory training, keep abreast of current trends in play through reading literature and journals. And being supportive to change.
-
To contribute to the education and training of child care students, work experience and volunteers, other health care professionals in all aspects of play and development by demonstration of good practice, sharing of skills and knowledge.
-
To ensure that all toys, play equipment and facilities are clean, in good repair and stored safely.
About us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- being a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
To provide a safe and welcoming environment demonstrating a caring and relaxed attitude towards any child and family entering the ward or department.
-
Will work with children of all ages, individually or in groups in a variety of settings.
-
Will assess individual childs need and provide appropriate play activities both developmental and therapeutic taking into account social and cultural needs
-
Facilitate appropriate play activities to assist the child and family in understanding the admission, medical and surgical procedures. Through competency training and assessment the play specialist will be able to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate this role.
-
Act as communication link with other team members including hospital, community staff and outside agencies representing the child and their family.
-
To be involved in advising and supporting children, parents and other members in the play needs of children in the hospital.
-
To understand and use nursing and play documentation to communicate relevant information and /or progress being aware of the need for confidentiality both with the written and spoken word.
-
Will be responsible for writing the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of play sessions using the relevant play documentation through competency training and assessment
please see job description/person specification for further details on the role
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
To provide a safe and welcoming environment demonstrating a caring and relaxed attitude towards any child and family entering the ward or department.
-
Will work with children of all ages, individually or in groups in a variety of settings.
-
Will assess individual childs need and provide appropriate play activities both developmental and therapeutic taking into account social and cultural needs
-
Facilitate appropriate play activities to assist the child and family in understanding the admission, medical and surgical procedures. Through competency training and assessment the play specialist will be able to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate this role.
-
Act as communication link with other team members including hospital, community staff and outside agencies representing the child and their family.
-
To be involved in advising and supporting children, parents and other members in the play needs of children in the hospital.
-
To understand and use nursing and play documentation to communicate relevant information and /or progress being aware of the need for confidentiality both with the written and spoken word.
-
Will be responsible for writing the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of play sessions using the relevant play documentation through competency training and assessment
please see job description/person specification for further details on the role
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- NNEB/DCE/Btec National Diploma in Nursery Nursing
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Hospital Play Specialist qualification and registered with HPSET
- Good general secondary education
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years experience working in a relevant child-care setting
Communication and relationship skills
Essential
- Demonstrates a good understanding of the Health Play Specialist role
- Ability to provide appropriate play/recreational activities to meet the developmental needs of children
- Excellent oral and written communication and listening skills
- Demonstrate an understanding of good practice
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- NNEB/DCE/Btec National Diploma in Nursery Nursing
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Hospital Play Specialist qualification and registered with HPSET
- Good general secondary education
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years experience working in a relevant child-care setting
Communication and relationship skills
Essential
- Demonstrates a good understanding of the Health Play Specialist role
- Ability to provide appropriate play/recreational activities to meet the developmental needs of children
- Excellent oral and written communication and listening skills
- Demonstrate an understanding of good practice
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
