Hospital Play Specialist

Job overview

To foster an environment conducive to development for all children who are in his/her care, through the best use of play and stimulation within limits of the child's capacity.

To provide support for the child and family .

To plan, implement and evaluate play programmes for children and young people.  prepare children/ young people for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy and post procedural play.

Provide distraction techniques in theatre, working alongside the multidisciplinary team

Build therapeutic relationships and family centred care with the service user.

Main duties of the job

Create a suitable environment with the co-operation of other staff in which play occurs naturally for children and young people participating in research and the clinical areas they move through: the Clinical Research Facility, the 2nd floor research area, the Day Ward area, Theatres, Paediatric Accident and Emergency and Paediatric Outpatient Clinics. To supervise play environment in the satellite locations as directed by the Paediatric & Research Service, as required.

Participate in the assessment of play development needs of individual children.

Provide organised play and/or stimulation within the restrictions of the environment and the individual child's condition.

Participate in the provision of play preparation and distraction for clinical procedures and for children undergoing surgery.

Be responsible for the selection of materials, toys and play equipment and see that the equipment and toys are safe, clean and maintained in good order.

Liaise with multi - disciplinary team with regard to appropriate play and observe and report on individual children's response to play.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Participate in safeguarding children and young people within the Trust to ensure their safety and to adhere to the safeguarding policy.

Supervise students undertaking childcare courses from educational Institutes.

Welcome and make each family as comfortable as possible in the waiting and play areas.  Communicate to parents in a manner that they understand with regards to their child. Provide support to families under stress and in crisis.

Devise individual play programmes for children and young people in the hospital and provide play and distraction within clinics and satellite clinics.

Respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of the child and their families and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.

Keep abreast of trends by attending study days and conferences at the discretion of the Senior Play Team staff and senior Paediatric and Research Nursing staff.

Review and reflect on own practice through the effective use of clinical supervision and appraisal.

Preparation for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy and post procedural play.