Designed by families, for families, The Ark was opened in September 2019 by the Mayor of London. The grounds offer wheelchair accessible outdoor experiences, including a Woodland Walk through a 7-acre nature reserve, a hydrotherapy pool and overnight suites for families to be close to their loved ones. At The Ark we are able to provide Specialist Care and Nursing for babies, children and young people, supporting their full clinical, emotional, social and practical needs. We have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence. Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the charity has had a sustained period of growth over the last two years and we are looking for high quality employees to come and be a part of that success. Our expert staff and trained volunteers provide clinical, emotional and practical support for families across North and Central London and Herts Valley. We carefully adapt our support for every child and offer it wherever it is required - whether in their home, their community or at our state-of-the-art children’s hospice building, The Ark, in Barnet. JOB DESCRIPTION As part of our Play Team, you will hold a caseload of children seen in regular sessions with clear aims and outcomes. This will involve working collaboratively with the family, multidisciplinary team and colleagues. You will use your skills, knowledge and expertise in a variety of situations within the hospice as well as out in the community and in family homes. You will be trained and competent to work as a lone worker in the community. The service we provide is driven by the needs to the families we support – therefore flexibility and the ability to work weekends is essential. A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle for business use is essential to cover our wide operating region. As a valued member of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, we will offer you free uniforms, free DBS, ongoing professional support and role-specific training. ABOUT YOU You will enjoy creating engaging activities and play experiences for those in your care. You will ideally already have experience as a Play Specialist and be passionate about using play to build long-lasting relationships with babies, children, and young people. This post holder will require a wide variety of communication skills and knowledge of using communication aids e.g. Eye Gaze. Knowledge of developmental play for children with complex needs and being able to adapt your skills to work in both a community and hospice setting will be essential. Your work will be varied, with sessions led by the child, requiring you to flexibly use your key skills to support their individual needs in the moment. You will work with many other departments at Noah’s Ark, with a focus on Child in Need Safeguarding and bereavement. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff. Our diversity council is working hard to construct positive changes within our organisation. We are a disabilty confident employer and part of our commitment is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.