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The post holder will be one of a team of play specialists. You will work to ensure high quality play provision for patients and siblings. Prepare the child and family for treatments and procedures. Facilitate emotional support and help to establish coping strategies. The post will be predominantly in the children's unit, but also you may be required in other areas of the hospital where children are cared for.
Job Responsibility:
Act as an advocate for the child and family
Encourage and support parents to participate in play with their children
Provide preparation for children undergoing treatment and medical procedures
Explain reasons for treatment or the nature of the illness on a level that the child can understand
Ensure that information given to the child/family is consistent and presented in a professional manner
Educate and empower parents as necessary on the benefits of play and how to facilitate appropriate play to enhance the childs development and recovery
Implement distraction/coping strategies
Work in conjunction with the Play Specialist team and Co-ordinator to develop the provision of play
Apply evidence-based practice to areas of your work
Use knowledge to select and apply appropriate techniques to facilitate children and young people to overcome difficulties with hospital admission and procedures
Assess, plan and implement play programmes for a varied client group
Select monitor and advise on play resources required to reflect the need of the client group
Provide emotional support for families when in crisis or under stress
Establish and maintain effective communication both verbal and written with all members of the multidisciplinary team throughout the hospital
Ensure all toys, play equipment and facilities are clean and safe, maintained to comply with Trust policies, and stored safely
Attend clinics as requested to prepare the child psychologically for procedures and provide distraction therapy
Provide teaching sessions to other staff and students as required to promote an awareness of the therapeutic benefits of play and the effects of hospitalisation
Through play provide support to assist children in understanding and coping with serious illness, disability or death
Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the effects of hospitalisation and illness on the child/family
Review and reflect on your own practice and attend an annual appraisal
Participate in ongoing professional development
Recognise and respond appropriately to emergency situations
Provide supervision and support to junior team members
Requirements:
HPSET Qualified Hospital Play Specialist or 2nd year Trainee Hospital Play Specialist
Evidence of personal or professional development
Understanding of family centred care and able to deliver play in a holistic child/family focused manner
Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality
Understands the importance of child protection and safeguarding children
Nice to have:
Professional Childcare Qualification level 3
Experienced at working in a hospital setting with children and families