Job summary
This is a great opportunity to build your skills in therapeutic play while supporting children and young people with complex medical needs to enjoy positive, meaningful short break experiences. You'll be part of a supportive team that places each child at the centre of everything we do. Working closely with colleagues, families and professionals, you'll help create safe, engaging and inclusive play opportunities that promote confidence, wellbeing and emotional connection. Your work will help children express themselves, have fun and feel valued during their time with us. What you'll do:
- Plan and deliver creative, child-centred play sessions tailored to individual needs
- Use therapeutic play to support communication, emotional wellbeing and confidence
- Observe children's responses and adapt activities to ensure safety, comfort and inclusion
- Work independently within care plans, escalating concerns when needed
- Contribute to service development and support colleagues through reflective practice
Main duties of the job
What we're looking for:
- A Level 4 qualification in Play, Child Development, Health or Social Care (or equivalent experience)
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally those with complex needs
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work calmly and compassionately
- Creativity, resilience and a commitment to inclusive, child-centred practice
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and value people who share our commitment to fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement.
About us
At CHCP, we're passionate about people, we recognise that high quality care is delivered by high quality professionals who are appreciated, respected, and supported, which is why we want to give all our colleagues the chance to shine.
Work with us and you'll be more than just a number. Our people are our shareholders, and their thoughts and opinions are always heard;at CHCP you have a real voice.
Compassion is at the heart of our business; our colleagues work together to deliver first class healthcareto thousands of people. Local diversity demands diverse roles, that's why we have vacancies to suit everybody. No matter your role at CHCP, we'll support you to thrive.
CHCP CIC employees have access to an excellent range of benefits; for further information, please click on the 'CHCP Perks and Rewards' link.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification attached to this job advert for full details on the role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification attached to this job advert for full details on the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 4 qualification in Play, Child Development, Health or Social Care (or equivalent experience in a specialist play setting)
- Evidence of ongoing development.
- Evidence of relevant short course training, such as therapeutic play, sensory play or sensory integration awareness, communication methods (e.g. Makaton, PECS, Intensive Interaction), autism awareness, epilepsy awareness, trauma informed practice, or introductory supervision or leadership skills.
Desirable
- Foundation Degree or Degree in Play Specialism, Child Development, or related subject.
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and experience in working in a facility/setting/service for children and young people
- Knowledge and experience of healthcare services.
- Uses knowledge and experience to deliver packages of care to support development in children and young people
- Understanding of child development and the therapeutic value of play.
- Knowledge of supporting children with complex needs and disabilities.
- A working understanding of relevant regulations and policies such as the Children and Families Act, The Care Act, Health and Social Care legislation, Safeguarding and Person-Centred Care Planning guidance
Desirable
- Knowledge of restorative practice. Familiarity with relevant legislation and best practice in short breaks services.
- Presentation and teaching skills
- Knowledge of the Ofsted Children's Homes Regulations and Social Care Common Inspection Framework
- Knowledge of the OFSTED Quality Standards
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with Children and young people with complex needs/disabilities
- Experience of delivering, monitoring, and planning activities
- IT skills
Desirable
- Assessing needs and planning outcomes
- Experience in a short breaks or respite setting.
- Experience of working with families and multiagency teams
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 4 qualification in Play, Child Development, Health or Social Care (or equivalent experience in a specialist play setting)
- Evidence of ongoing development.
- Evidence of relevant short course training, such as therapeutic play, sensory play or sensory integration awareness, communication methods (e.g. Makaton, PECS, Intensive Interaction), autism awareness, epilepsy awareness, trauma informed practice, or introductory supervision or leadership skills.
Desirable
- Foundation Degree or Degree in Play Specialism, Child Development, or related subject.
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and experience in working in a facility/setting/service for children and young people
- Knowledge and experience of healthcare services.
- Uses knowledge and experience to deliver packages of care to support development in children and young people
- Understanding of child development and the therapeutic value of play.
- Knowledge of supporting children with complex needs and disabilities.
- A working understanding of relevant regulations and policies such as the Children and Families Act, The Care Act, Health and Social Care legislation, Safeguarding and Person-Centred Care Planning guidance
Desirable
- Knowledge of restorative practice. Familiarity with relevant legislation and best practice in short breaks services.
- Presentation and teaching skills
- Knowledge of the Ofsted Children's Homes Regulations and Social Care Common Inspection Framework
- Knowledge of the OFSTED Quality Standards
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with Children and young people with complex needs/disabilities
- Experience of delivering, monitoring, and planning activities
- IT skills
Desirable
- Assessing needs and planning outcomes
- Experience in a short breaks or respite setting.
- Experience of working with families and multiagency teams
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).
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).