Health Play Specialist

Job summary

We work closely with all referring specialities, however the BMT patients remain under the care of the BMT service until there are no acute BMT related problems, this period can be between 6 months or a number of years.

Additional support:An area identified as requiring play therapy support is in the sibling donor clinic. The pathway for sibling donors has a clear clinical and ethical framework in line with the Human Tissue Act (2004).

A key aspect of the sibling donor clinic is to support the child and ensure they are adequately prepared. A priority of the donor care pathway is to prevent psychological harm. We currently don't have any play specialist available to input with this clinic and it has been identified that it would be beneficial for play therapy support to be extended to sibling donors.

This would be a new service. We would plan to evaluate the service with patient and carer surveys.

Additionally, we would envisage that we could develop the following areas with increased play staffing:

Availability for support if acute patient needs arises - including support with other allied health professionals.

Support with palliative care discussions.

Bereavement support - this also links with sibling donor care and follow up.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

• To undertake therapeutic assessments and devise play programmes for children and young people in hospital, according to their individual needs and as part of the overall care plan
• To plan and implement individual therapeutic play programmes to include preparation for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy and post procedural play.
• To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions using reflective practice to achieve best outcomes

About us

We are committed to recruiting the best person for the job through a fair, open and consistent process that is free from bias and discrimination.

We are working towards becoming an anti-racist organisation. This means creating a workplace where every colleague feels seen, heard and valued, and where racism in any form has no place. Our anti-racism commitment is backed by action through our Anti-Racism Statement and action plan, developed in collaboration with our REACH staff network.

We actively challenge discrimination, dismantle barriers and embed equity across all aspects of our workforce, including recruitment, progression and development. All applicants will receive equal consideration regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, health condition or employment history.

We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and LGBTQ+ community members. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Business Disability Forum, and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Our staff networks, including REACH, PRIDE, ENABLED and Women's Networks, are active and executive supported. These employee-led networks play a vital role in shaping an inclusive culture at GOSH and are open to all colleagues.

Together, we are building a culture where inclusion is not optional - it is essential.

Job responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below

Person specification

Academic/Professional qualification/Training

Essential

• oFdA Health Care Play Specialism. Previous equivalent qualification (HPSC/HPSEB) or Child Life Specialist
• oRegistered Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS) or Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
• oBasic Secondary Education up to 5 GCSE' or beyond, including English and Maths

Desirable

• oNVQ, CACHE, NNEB (level 3) in Child Care/Play Work or Diploma in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or Early Childhood Studies (BA)

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

• oTheoretical knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development
• oKnowledge of current best practice
• oKnowledge of the value of play for sick children
• oKnowledge of effects of hospitalization on children, young people and their families
• oBasic knowledge of health legislation and SoHPS guidelines for professional practice
• oKnowledge of confidentiality

Desirable

• oBasic knowledge of the principles of clinical governance
• oKnowledge of professional code of conduct and its application in practice

Skills/Abilities

Essential

• oAbility to work with and provide creative activities to individual and groups of children/adolescents
• oEffective verbal and written communication skills
• oGood organisation skills
• oA full understanding and ability to plan and apply play preparation, distraction therapy and post procedural play
• oAbility to reflect and adhere to profession boundaries of the role, referring on to line manager where necessary
• oAbility to be flexible, exchange and learn new ideas as part of your team
• oAbility to reflect and critically appraise own performance
• oHealth, safety, and risk awareness
• oDocumentation skills

Desirable

• oPresentation Skills
• oIT Skills

Our Always values

Essential

• o Our Always values