Job summary The Children's Unit at The Princess Royal Hospital consists of a 33 Bedded inpatient ward, 3 Bedded Children's Oncology and Haematology Unit, Children's Assessment Unit and Children's Outpatient Departments at both The Princess Royal Hospital and The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. We care for Children and Young People aged 0 to 17 years old with a variety of medical and mental health needs. We are looking for a Hospital Play Assistant who is undertaking a further qualification and training in Health Play Specialism or therapeutic play interventions. They will have an understanding of Child Development to undertake play assessments, support play opportunities and find creative ways to make play possible when there are physical and emotional barriers. They will be a fully integrated member of the Health Professionals Team who will work within the Departmental team but also independently using their initiative, organisation, leadership and time management skills. The Hospital Play assistant will provide developmental, therapeutic and specialised play techniques for all ages and diversities in an effort to fulfil emotional, social and developmental needs and help alleviate emotional trauma. Main duties of the job Help children and young people to recognise existing coping strategies and form new ones. Use their skills to Prepare children and young people for procedures and treatments by putting them in the driving seat and supporting understanding and myth-busting. Work with children, young people and families on the most effective ways to distract from procedures and treatments, when appropriate. Support children to make sense of what they are experiencing with the strategic use of play-based techniques. Offer distraction, relaxation and desensitisation techniques for children and young people undergoing medical procedures. Contribute to patient notes and documentation Source creative, fun activities and social opportunities for children and young people while they are in hospital. Undertake observations and assessments relating to play sessions Give support and advice to parent and other care-givers on ways they can support play. Supports general play either in the play/adolescent rooms or at the bedside Highlight the importance of play in assisting recovery and aiding development to all health professionals and students. Help bridge the gap between hospital and home, creating a positive environment and a positive patient journey About us Join us at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, where our passion for excellence drives everything we do. We're on a mission to provide high quality, safe care to our patients, in an environment our incredible staff are proud to work in. Our vision, 'To provide excellent care for the communities we serve,' is not just a statement; it's a promise we live by every day. Guided by our core Values - Partnering, Ambitious, Caring, and Trusted - we're determined to make a real difference in the lives of those who matter most: our patients and their families. If you're ready to be part of a team that's dedicated to continuous improvement, come join us and let's make a difference together Date posted 27 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £25,674 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 223-HPT-121 Job locations Children's Unit, Princess Royal Hospital Apley Telford TF1 6TF Job description Job responsibilities For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled Job Description. Job description Job responsibilities For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled Job Description. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Undertaking Foundation Degree programme in Healthcare Play Specialism Minimum level 3 in Playwork, Child Development or Childcare and education Desirable Registered Play Specialist Experience Essential Awareness of basic child protection procedures To have a basic knowledge of the needs of the child and family Desirable Knowledge and experience related to the use of play in a children's hospital environment clinical (sufficient so that the competencies required for the role will be met). Personal Qualities Essential Ability to cope with stressful working conditions and fluctuating workload Ability to work as an individual and within a team Person Specification Qualifications Essential Undertaking Foundation Degree programme in Healthcare Play Specialism Minimum level 3 in Playwork, Child Development or Childcare and education Desirable Registered Play Specialist Experience Essential Awareness of basic child protection procedures To have a basic knowledge of the needs of the child and family Desirable Knowledge and experience related to the use of play in a children's hospital environment clinical (sufficient so that the competencies required for the role will be met). Personal Qualities Essential Ability to cope with stressful working conditions and fluctuating workload Ability to work as an individual and within a team Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust Address Children's Unit, Princess Royal Hospital Apley Telford TF1 6TF Employer's website http://www.sath.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)