Hospital Play Specialist - Full time

Job overview

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our Play Team to cover a 1 year fixed term post. We are looking for a highly motivated Hospital Play Specialist who is committed to providing high quality care to Children and Young People that attend The Royal Berkshire Hospital.  The post holder will work closely with the MDT to support children, young people and their families and implement specialised play interventions throughout the whole Paediatric unit. This includes both inpatients and outpatients including our new play led Pre-operative preparation project.

The successful applicant must be passionate and committed to meeting the needs of children, young people and their families and work flexibly within a team.

Main duties of the job

You will need to be able to engage easily with children and young people, be able to work effectively with your multi-disciplinary team colleagues and use therapeutic play techniques creatively throughout the department. Responsibilities will include supporting children and young people who are admitted, leading alternative focus activities during procedures, creating an age appropriate welcoming environment throughout the area and helping patients and families manage anxiety effectively.

You will also take an active role in supporting and mentoring other members of the hospital play team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder is responsible for providing therapeutic play interventions to help alleviate patient’s anxieties and fear, helping to increase their co-operation during their time in hospital.   They work to improve patient’s emotional and psychological well-being while hospitalised and to provide a welcoming, safe and secure environment for paediatric and young people patients.   They are responsible for increasing the awareness, understanding and knowledge of the play team’s work and how the services help patients during their hospital journeys.