At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through engaging play and activities that enhance their quality of life.
- Company: Acorns Children's Hospice, dedicated to compassionate care for children with life-limiting conditions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee discounts, health cash plan, gym membership, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Join a UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting organisation committed to children's rights.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and caring environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in delivering play-based activities and working with children with complex health needs.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27540 £ per year.
Acorns Children's Hospice are looking for a Play & Activity Assistant to support children, young people and families to engage and participate in play and activity that enhances quality of life in our Three Counties Hospice, Worcester. You will provide high quality, holistic therapeutic play for all children, young people and their families across Acorns, enabling them to feel safe and at ease both within the hospice environment and in the community.
About the Role
At Acorns Children’s Hospice, we provide specialist palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and we support their families through every step of their journey, and through transition. Our work is defined by compassion, expertise, and an unwavering belief that every child deserves comfort, dignity, and the chance to experience joy.
As a Play & Activity Assistant, you will:
- Use your knowledge of child development theories through the life stages to support open ended play and adapt activities to each individual patient.
- Help ensure that children and young people are introduced and encouraged to engage in a wide range of stimulating and creative activities by interaction and play, both in and out of doors, encouraging the use of local community facilities where appropriate.
- Ensure that the child’s or young person’s psychological and social needs are met as well as their physical care and participate in the development of the service.
- Organise and support family splash, play and group activities within the hydrotherapy pool.
- Empower children, young persons and their relatives to make decisions about their care and to exercise choice.
About You
- Experience of delivery play-based activity to children and young people.
- Experience of working with children with complex health needs.
What We Offer
- £27,000 to £27,540 per annum.
- 37.5 hours per week.
- Based in our Three Counties Hospice, Worcester (WR5 3EZ).
- Employee discounts from leading retailers – including the Blue Light Card.
- Discounts on refurbished tech.
- Health cash plan.
- Gym membership and equipment discount scheme.
- Bike2Work scheme - save up to 42% on bikes and equipment.
- Wellbeing, legal and financial support.
- Generous contribution to group personal pension plan (7.5%) or continuation of current NHS pension scheme.
- NHS pension scheme life assurance or Acorns group life assurance scheme.
You need to be eligible to work in the UK to be considered for this role. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and therefore any successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check for children and will be asked to provide two satisfactory references. In addition, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of immunisation against specific diseases or confirm their willingness to receive the necessary vaccinations. As a UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting organisation we are committed to ensuring that the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child is embedded into both culture and practice within the organisation. As an employee you will be a Duty Bearer for Children’s Rights and support all children to be Rights Holders.
Play and Activity Assistant in Worcester employer: Acorns-Children
Acorns Children's Hospice is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and families facing life-limiting conditions. Located in Worcester, our supportive work culture prioritises compassion and professional growth, offering a range of benefits including employee discounts, health cash plans, and a generous pension scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a nurturing environment that values every child's right to joy and dignity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play and Activity Assistant in Worcester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Acorns Children's Hospice and understand their mission and values. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to children's care. Building relationships can give you insider info and even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for role-specific scenarios! Think about how you would engage children in play or handle challenging situations. Practising these responses can boost your confidence during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Acorns Children's Hospice.
We think you need these skills to ace Play and Activity Assistant in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and families shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for enhancing quality of life and how you can contribute to our mission at Acorns Children's Hospice.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in delivering play-based activities or working with children with complex health needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role of Play & Activity Assistant!
Be Personable:Use a friendly and approachable tone in your application. We’re looking for someone who can connect with children and families, so let your personality come through in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with Acorns Children's Hospice.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorns-Children
✨Know Your Child Development Theories
Brush up on your knowledge of child development theories and how they apply to play. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used this knowledge in past roles, especially when adapting activities for children with complex health needs.
✨Showcase Your Play-Based Experience
Prepare to share detailed stories about your experience delivering play-based activities. Highlight any creative or stimulating activities you've organised, and how they positively impacted the children and families you worked with.
✨Emphasise Compassion and Empathy
Since this role is all about enhancing quality of life, be sure to convey your compassion and empathy during the interview. Share instances where you've supported children and families emotionally, and how you ensure they feel safe and at ease.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with Acorns Children's Hospice's mission and values. During the interview, express your alignment with their commitment to children's rights and how you can contribute to creating a joyful environment for the children and families.
