Play Specialist

TITLE OF POST: Play Specialist ACCOUNTABLE TO: Head of Family Support About us Our Vision For every baby, child and young person with a life limiting condition to access specialist palliative care, where and when they need it. Our Mission Whether in the hospice, at home or in partnership with another provider in a different setting, babies, children and young people will experience the same high-quality palliative and end of life care, and beyond, alongside specialist family support. Our Values We have worked together to create a new set of values which represent our aims as an organisation and these align perfectly with our overall strategy, ensuring that every decision we make and every action we take is guided by these principles. JOB PURPOSE To plan, develop and lead a wide range of therapeutic play opportunities for babies, children and young people with complex, life shortening illnesses to support developmental, therapeutic and palliative care needs in a range of environments.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Work independently and alongside colleagues to visit children and young people in their home, school or hospital to provide bespoke age-appropriate therapeutic play services. Manage a caseload of children and young people identified as needing temporary targeted intervention. Ensure the hospice is well resourced with a wide range of stimulating and therapeutic activities pertaining to play. Plan, develop and facilitate group work opportunities, designed to promote the benefits of therapeutic play for children and families.

Evaluate the effectiveness of service provision by providing regular opportunities for feedback. Support in identifying gaps in the service and make recommendations regarding service delivery and development. Keep clear and accurate records to document visits, bookings and all communication with individuals and family members. Support and educate colleagues in the delivery of therapeutic play as part of a holistic approach to pain management, distraction techniques and general wellbeing.

Maintain links with other agencies, hospices, and non-statutory services to share good practise on service provision and support where necessary. KEY TASKS: Work with babies, children and young people, during in house stays, providing bespoke opportunities for play suitable to their needs and preferences. Develop one-page profiles for children and young people to capture key information about their needs and preferences. Create and maintain dedicated space within the hospice to promote play, stimulation and fun.

Complete robust risk assessments for all therapeutic play provision; both group and individual, to ensure full health and safety compliance. SKILLS REQUIRED: Demonstrable knowledge and experience of safeguarding children and vulnerable young adults. Theoretical knowledge of child development, with a clear understanding and ability to apply play preparation, distraction therapy and post procedural play skills. Sensitive and empathetic of the complex needs of others.

Inclusive and adaptable in approaches to working with individuals and groups with varying needs and abilities. Creative, fun and engaging. COMMUNICATION: Utilise skills to effectively communicate with children and young people with a range of communication preferences to promote and maintain inclusivity. Establish and maintain effective communication with families, including using verbal, email and telephone communication.

Establish and maintain effective communication with relevant individuals and groups to support children, young people and family members; including key members of the hospice; volunteers; service users; statutory and voluntary organisations. Understand the importance of, and maintain, the need for confidentiality in all individual and hospice matters. GENERAL: All Bluebell Wood employees are required to: Abide by the Health & Safety at Work Act Adhere to policy and procedures around safeguarding children and young adults Respect confidentiality applying to all Hospice areas Work within Hospice policies and procedures Demonstratable understanding and application of the provisions of GDPR Comply with the Hospice no smoking policy Participate in and contribute to team meetings Co-operate and liaise with colleagues Behave in a professional manner at all times Act as an ambassador for Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice, reflecting the objectives and values, and to always work in the best interests of the charity. All Bluebell Wood employees are expected to: Demonstrate a commitment to their own development, to take advantage of education and training opportunities and develop their own competence Support and encourage harmonious internal and external working relationships Make a positive contribution to fundraising and raising the profile of the Hospice This job description is not exhaustive.

It will be subject to periodic review and may be amended following discussion between the post-holder and employer.