Health Play Specialist - Band 5 Barts Health
An exciting opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to support our team. We are looking for qualified Bank Health Play Specialists to join our established and specialist team of Health Play Specialists and Play Workers. We work across both in and out patients departments and provide support to children and young people accessing our services across The Royal London Children’s Hospital.
We are looking for a Play Specialist who is committed to the delivery of compassionate high quality care and has the skills to implement specialised play input to support the young people and their families throughout their time in hospital.
We are looking for someone who is able to work on their own initiative, adaptable and flexible. We have a well-established programme of quality improvement and fully encourage CPD. We value team members who are resourceful, committed and can be an active part of our vision for continuing to drive play forward.
The Foundation Degree in ‘Healthcare Play Specialism’, Edex/BTEC in ‘Specialised Play for the Sick Child’ or the previous HPSC/HPSEB, or international equivalent, is a requirement for this post along with current registration with HPSET. Please do not apply if you do not have the required qualification.
Job Purpose
Utilizing theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practices, the role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic play programs within the ward/departments. This contributes significantly to the holistic care of children. Additionally, the position aims to raise awareness regarding the emotional needs of children in hospital settings and underscores the significance of play within the multi-disciplinary team.
Primary Responsibilities:
Clinical / Therapeutic:
- Ensure the provision of suitable play activities and stimulation tailored to each child's emotional and developmental requirements. Organize and facilitate these activities accordingly.
- Assess, strategize, execute, and assess comprehensive play programs, encompassing preparatory measures for both invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy, and procedural play, as integral components of child care.
- Monitor and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions, employing reflective practices to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Implement a thorough play program for referred children within the play service, upon directive from the deputy lead or clinical lead.
- Offer play-based observations to inform and bolster the overall assessment of each child.
- Identify suitable play activities to foster individual and group engagement among children, facilitating their adaptation to hospital life and enhancing their comprehension of treatment protocols.
- Foster a nurturing, inviting, empathetic, and secure environment conducive to children's well-being.
- Provide coverage to other wards/departments as instructed by the play department manager/team leader.
- Collaborate closely with families within the Children's Services and Play Service Philosophy, encouraging their participation as appropriate, and contributing to the cultivation of a supportive and secure environment.
- Extend support to families and siblings experiencing stress or crisis through play-based interventions, demonstrating a commitment to family-centred care.
- Educate, guide, and offer support to families regarding the significance of play in the caregiving process.
Qualifications and knowledge
- Qualification in Healthcare Play Specialism (FdE or equivalent) or its international counterpart.
- Understanding of child safeguarding matters.
Experience
- Experience gained through training or employment involving working with children in hospital environments.
- Three to five years of experience in childcare settings.
- Experience and understanding of diverse cultures and ethnicities.
- Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.
- Knowledge and practical experience concerning consent, confidentiality, and child protection.
Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Flexible and adept at managing evolving workloads.
- Capable of exercising initiative, working autonomously, and effectively prioritizing tasks.
- Comprehensive proficiency in utilizing play preparation, distraction therapy, and post-procedural play techniques.
- Skilled in supervising, instructing, and evaluating students and volunteers.
- Demonstrates sensitivity and empathy towards children and their families in hospital settings.
As a thank you to all our invaluable Bank Staff we are happy to offer the following advantages:
- Flexible working hours
- Access to free Bank Partners Core Skills training
- Weekly salary
- Opportunity to work across multiple specialities to gain invaluable experience in various specialities
- Priority of shifts over all agency workers
- Competitive pay
Apply now for this exciting opportunity by attaching you CV, and one of our recruitment team members will be in touch shortly.
Bank Partners is an employment agency/employment business (as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003) and is acting on behalf of its client in relation to this vacancy.