Play Specialist - Leicester, United Kingdom - University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Verified Company

Leicester, United Kingdom

1 week ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

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.

Core shifts are between hours over a 7 day period and you will be required to work some weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.

The successful applicant will need to have the ability to implement developmental, therapeutic and specialised play to children and young people from birth to 18 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 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.

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

Leicester Children's Hospital Play service is one of the largest in the UK and consists of a highly experienced and skilled team: Play co-ordinators, senior play specialists, play specialists, apprentice play specialists and play assistants, who are all qualified child care practitioners.

The play service is provided in all areas within the Children's Hospital including all children's wards, admissions, intensive care, outpatients, in addition to Children's Emergency dept, Cardiac Unit, and Neonatal Units.

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 child's 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.