Play Team Assistant

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Play Team Assistant

Contract Type: Permanent

Under current Home Office rules, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team to support children, young people and their families during their hospital journey by delivering engaging play, recreation and developmental activities that promote wellbeing, recovery and resilience.

Working alongside our experienced Healthcare Play Specialists and multidisciplinary teams, you will help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children can play, learn and thrive. From supporting children to adjust to hospital life, to providing emotional support during difficult times, no two days are the same.

We're looking for someone who:

Has a passion for working with children and young people. Is creative, compassionate and enthusiastic. Enjoys building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues. Can adapt activities to meet a wide range of developmental and individual needs. Is committed to delivering outstanding child and family-centred care.

In return, you'll join a supportive and experienced team where your ideas and contributions are valued, with opportunities to develop your skills and make a genuine difference to the experiences of children and families within our Children's Hospital.

If you're ready to bring energy, creativity and compassion to a role where every day matters, we'd love to hear from you.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Delivering and supervising age-appropriate play, recreational and developmental activities that support the emotional, social and developmental wellbeing of children and young people in hospital. Creating a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment while helping children, young people and families adapt to hospitalisation through play, recreation and emotional support. Working alongside Healthcare Play Specialists and the wider multidisciplinary team to contribute to assessments, care planning and the delivery of play-based interventions, including preparation and distraction techniques following training. Maintaining play resources and equipment, keeping accurate records, and supporting service improvement, audits and departmental initiatives to enhance the patient and family experience.

What experience/skills are needed:

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, NNEB qualification or equivalent childcare qualification. Knowledge and understanding of child development from birth to 18 years, with a commitment to child and family-centred care. Ability to communicate effectively with children, young people and families, including those experiencing stress, anxiety or crisis. Experience of working effectively as part of a team, with strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Additional Information:

Previous experience in an acute hospital setting would be advantageous but is not essential. The role requires the ability to safely move and handle children, patients and equipment in line with Trust policies and procedures. The successful applicant will be required to undertake safeguarding training and work in accordance with safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, and clinical governance requirements. This post is subject to the appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance.

Applicant requirements

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.