The Senior Children's Play Specialist is responsible for the play service provided for children and their families whilst in hospital.
The post holder will be responsible for alleviating the fears and anxieties of the effects of hospitalisation on children and young people by providing emotional support and continuity of care both before and after invasive procedures.
They will provide a high quality and wide range of normal and therapeutic play activities to children in a variety of settings within the hospital environment, to provide emotional support to children and their families, and to raise the general awareness and appreciation of the importance of play to a child's development and recovery.
The post holder is responsible for managing the work of the play team, and they will participate in the teaching and supervision of junior staff and student learners as required.
Main duties of the job
1. Responsible for creating an environment in which play occurs naturally at all times.
2. Coordinate play in all areas where paediatric patients are present.
3. Familiarise the child/young person with strange apparatus and procedures to help to reduce stress and anxiety and to help the child/young person to understand his/her treatment, procedure and/or illness.
4. Support children/young people using distraction therapy before, during and following painful or unpleasant treatment/procedures.
5. Observe the child/young person's developmental and emotional level and report observations to appropriate staff.
6. Help the child/young person express and explore feelings.
About us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients.
Job responsibilities
1. Contribute to care pathways using specialist knowledge of the effect of hospitalisation and illness on the child/family.
2. Act as an advisor on toys, play materials and play activities when play is required in other areas.
3. Assess the individual child's needs and provide appropriate play activities facilitating the expression of feelings and encouraging the maintenance of play within the home.
4. Attend and offer information when needed for discharge planning meetings and case conferences.
5. Ensure daily play diary is recorded and maintained.
6. Maintain toys and play equipment and ensure suitability for use on the ward/department.
7. Ensure play equipment provision in all areas are appropriate to the child's age and development, complying with safety standards.
8. Ensure all reusable toys are cleaned regularly and cleaning documented to ensure compliance with Toy Decontamination guidelines.
9. Recommend the purchase of new toys and play equipment. Order toys and equipment and keep the accounts.
10. Contribute to assessments and overall care planning using knowledge of child and adolescent development as well as incorporating an understanding of Safeguarding issues.
11. Communicate with and participate as a member of the multidisciplinary team in the total care of the child, advising on play and communication with children.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
* Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Health Care Play Specialism or previous HPSC/HPSEB, Edexcel PDC/HND in Hospital Play Specialism or overseas equivalent.
* NVQ, CACHE, NNEB (Level 3) in Child Care/Play Work or Diploma in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or Early Childhood Studies (BA) Registration as a Play specialist.
* Practice Supervisor / Mentor.
* Evidence of CPD.
Desirable
* Leadership and management.
* Additional training relevant to role.
Knowledge and skills
Essential
* Knowledge and awareness of the emotional and personal impact of the work and the ability to self-manage or seek help appropriately.
* Ability to organise play activities for both children and young people.
* Ability to apply play preparation, distraction therapy and post procedural play.
* Experience of working as part of a diverse team.
* Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.
* Detailed knowledge of current health legislation and NAHPS Guidelines for Professional Practice.
* Leadership skills, to include the ability to reflect on own practice and support the reflection of others.
* Applied knowledge of the effects of hospitalisation, treatment and long-term chronic illness on children, young people and their families.
* Good communicator both written and verbally.
* Basic knowledge of child protection.
Desirable
* Able to see a clear career plan for self.
* General knowledge of the principles and application of clinical governance and IG.
* Ability to contribute to and implement teaching programmes for students and affiliated staff about the profession.
Experience
Essential
* At least three years' experience working in a paediatric care environment.
* Post qualifying, experience of working with children and/or young people in a health care setting, in a variety of clinical areas and/or vast experience in specialised field, including individual and group work.
* Flexible in working patterns and shifts as required.
* Enthusiastic.
* Approachable.
* Adaptable.
Desirable
* Experience of other care settings.
* Experience of audit procedures.
Employer details
Employer name
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Address
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Darenth
DA2 8DA
Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.
252-6651118
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