Health Play Specialist - Paediatrics, Band 4

at  Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Do you have a passion for working children of all ages? If so, we are looking for you to to join our wonderful, fun and supportive team providing invaluable play experiences to children at difficult times during hospital admissions or visits. The successful candidate will be a valuable member of the dynamic play team providing inclusive play within the Children’s Services. Your role will be to work within the structure of the play department referring to health play specialists as required for support and guidance. This can be a challenging role with emotive moments but is incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact play can have on children and their families/carers. This is an exciting opportunity to learn new skills and develop professionally!
Full time / part time / includes weekend shifts
The role of the successful candidate will include, having the ability to work effectively under pressure caring for sick children and their families. You will also be required to promote/support the role of the play specialist within the clinical environment. Post holder will support all areas within paediatrics driven by clinical demand. They will be required to establish good communication with parents/carers and siblings encouraging them to participate in play sessions. Post holder will need to be physically fit and active, open to further training and professional development, they must be self motivated, be able to work in a team but also able to work independently. They will have the ability to work effectively within an ever changing environment and be able to provide support during different circumstances. Day to day you will be required to provide, organise, initiate and supervise play activities for all children appropriate to their age, medical condition and background; this will be within the play room or at the bedside as appropriate.

The Children’s Centre is a purpose-built, modern unit. In addition, the Centre offers a unique environment for professionals to develop their paediatric experience across a range of areas:

• Paediatric Inpatient Ward - a 38-bedded unit, with a range of cubicles and shared bays.
• Paediatric Assessment Unit – designed to rapidly assess, treat, and discharge patients that are primarily referred from the Emergency Department or GPs.
• High Dependency Unit – a four-bedded unit for patients requiring complex high dependency care.
• Paediatric Day Unit – an eight -bedded elective ward for patients requiring surgery, scans, medication, and tests.
• Oncology Shared Care – a 4 bedded oncology area that forms part of the South West Regional Paediatric Oncology Service
• Outpatient Department – a busy outpatient setting that has 15 clinic rooms.

To select and plan a wide variety of play activities to suit the individual capabilities of a child within a challenging and changing clinical environment – including the ability to record daily play activity within the child’s individual record and report any comments/concerns to the health play specialist/medical/nursing team.
To advise the health play specialists of any equipment that requires replacement or repair. Ensure play area and equipment are safe and clean to prevent cross infection and accidents.
To communicate effectively, especially where child’s ability to do so is compromised. On occasions, the job holder may be exposed to distressing or emotional circumstances.
Meeting the needs of parents/carers, acting professionally, compassionately and consistently in day to day and sensitive situations.
Ability to communicate, engage children’s interests and facilitate their learning through fun play activities.
Actively promote diversity both in relation to the children and their families/carers, generally on the ward ensuring that culturally sensitive environment is maintained.
Work independently and use own initiative within their remit but also be a kind, supportive and approachable team member.
Review and reflect on own practice and performance through the effective use of supervision and appraisal.
Comply with the trust’s policies and data protection act.
Basic IT skills.
Create an interesting and stimulating environment where sick children and their siblings can play normally to fulfil their emotional, social and developmental needs

• Paediatric Inpatient Ward - a 38-bedded unit, with a range of cubicles and shared bays.
• Paediatric Assessment Unit – designed to rapidly assess, treat, and discharge patients that are primarily referred from the Emergency Department or GPs.
• High Dependency Unit – a four-bedded unit for patients requiring complex high dependency care.
• Paediatric Day Unit – an eight -bedded elective ward for patients requiring surgery, scans, medication, and tests.
• Oncology Shared Care – a 4 bedded oncology area that forms part of the South West Regional Paediatric Oncology Service
• Outpatient Department – a busy outpatient setting that has 15 clinic rooms