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Job overview
We work closely with all referring specialities, however the BMT patients remain under the care of the BMT service until there are no acute BMT related problems, this period can be between 6 months or a number of years.
Additional support: An area identified as requiring play therapy support is in the sibling donor clinic. The pathway for sibling donors has a clear clinical and ethical framework in line with the Human Tissue Act (2004).
A key aspect of the sibling donor clinic is to support the child and ensure they are adequately prepared. A priority of the donor care pathway is to prevent psychological harm. We currently don’t have any play specialist available to input with this clinic and it has been identified that it would be beneficial for play therapy support to be extended to sibling donors.
This would be a new service. We would plan to evaluate the service with patient and carer surveys.
Additionally, we would envisage that we could develop the following areas with increased play staffing:
Availability for support if acute patient needs arises - including support with other allied health professionals.
Support with palliative care discussions.
Bereavement support – this also links with sibling donor care and follow up.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job
- To undertake therapeutic assessments and devise play programmes for children and young people in hospital, according to their individual needs and as part of the overall care plan
- To plan and implement individual therapeutic play programmes to include preparation for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy and post procedural play.
- To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions using reflective practice to achieve best outcomes
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- • Ability to work with and provide creative activities to individual and groups of children/adolescents
- • Effective verbal and written communication skills
- • Good organisation skills
- • A full understanding and ability to plan and apply play preparation, distraction therapy and post procedural play
- • Ability to reflect and adhere to profession boundaries of the role, referring on to line manager where necessary
- • Ability to be flexible, exchange and learn new ideas as part of your team
- • Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance
- • Health, safety, and risk awareness
- • Documentation skills
Desirable
- • Presentation Skills
- • IT Skills
Our Always values
Essential
- • Our Always values
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- • Theoretical knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development
- • Knowledge of current best practice
- • Knowledge of the value of play for sick children
- • Knowledge of effects of hospitalization on children, young people and their families
- • Basic knowledge of health legislation and SoHPS guidelines for professional practice
- • Knowledge of confidentiality
Desirable
- • Basic knowledge of the principles of clinical governance
- • Knowledge of professional code of conduct and its application in practice
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential
- • FdA Health Care Play Specialism. Previous equivalent qualification (HPSC/HPSEB) or Child Life Specialist
- • Registered Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS) or Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
- • Basic Secondary Education up to 5 GCSE’ or beyond, including English and Maths
Desirable
- • NVQ, CACHE, NNEB (level 3) in Child Care/Play Work or Diploma in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or Early Childhood Studies (BA)
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Health Play Specialist with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust in Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. It is listed as a Band 4 role. The advertised salary is £34,186 - £37,389 per annum inclusive, pro rata. The contract type is 3 years (Fixed Term). The application deadline is 03 Sep 2026.
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