Play Specialist

Job summary

We are looking for a dynamic Band 4 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 16 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 be 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.

Core shifts are over a 7 day period between 07.30-19.00 hours 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 and also have a relevant level 3 child care qualification.

You will also have a broad knowledge of child development with experience of working in a health care setting (hospital or community health)

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:

https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk

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.

Person specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential

• Good general secondary education
• NNEB/DCE/Btec National Diploma in Nursery Nursing
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Hospital Play Specialist qualification and registered with HPSET

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 2 years experience working in a relevant child-care setting

Desirable

• Minimum of 1 years experience working in a Healthcare setting

Communication and relationship skills

Essential

• Able to identify the developmental needs of children aged 0-8 years
• Ability to provide appropriate play/recreational activities to meet the developmental needs of children
• Ensure that written information is up to date, filed and easily retrievable
• Excellent oral and written communication and listening skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of good practice
• Ability to be cost effective

Physical Skills

Essential

• Ability to undertake manual and non-manual handling safely

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential

• Ability to impart skills and knowledge relating to the play/developmental needs of children to others
• Ability to apply theory to practice to support professional judgements

Planning and organisation skills

Essential

• Awareness of responsibility for maintaining standards and accurate data collection
• Professional awareness
• Time management

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential

• To participate and undertake training and education as directed