Play Worker in Cardiff

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated Play Worker to join our busy Therapeutic Play Department working within the Acute Child Health Directorate at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales. Please ensure you have the appropriate qualification and experience as outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification prior to applying. The roles will primarily be based on our acute wards, but will be expected to work flexibly across the hospital to support the wider service to meet the needs of patients as they arise. The Therapeutic Play Department is currently going through an exciting period of change and development, giving candidates the opportunity to help shape the vision of the service.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder must possess a minimum of Level 3 childcare qualification and appropriate experience which is clear in your application and personal statement.
• This position is full‑time (37.5 hrs) working 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.
• Experience of working with babies, children and young people (BCYP) from 0‑16 is essential, as is an understanding of child development and how this is impacted by hospital admission.
• The successful candidate will work as part of the wider play team but also alongside other members of the MDT to provide the best care, planning and support for individuals throughout their hospital journey.
• The role will involve delivering normalising, general and developmental play.
• The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person Specification

• Ability to work with and provide creative activities to individual and groups of babies, children and young people (BCYP)
• Enhanced communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Patient and understanding nature
• Trustworthy
• Able to work flexibly
• Ability to withstand the physical demands of caring for young children
• Welsh language skills (levels 1‑5) are desirable
• Ability to play a musical instrument
• Good organisational skills

Experience

• Experience of working with babies, children and young people (BCYP) from 0‑16 yrs.
• Experience of observing and recording children's progress
• Awareness of confidentiality
• Experience of working in a hospital setting with BCYP
• Experience of working with BCYP in other settings such as education, care or community settings
• Experience of working with BCYP who have specific medical and educational needs (e.g., PMLD, LD, ND)

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Child's Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland) QCF or CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care & Education or CACHE Extended Diploma in Children's Care, Learning and Development or OU Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Practice or Edexcel BTEC Level 3 National Certificate/Diploma Children’s Care, Learning and Development - CCLD
• Basic secondary education up to GCSE level or beyond, including English and Maths (GCSE Grade A*‑C)
• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD)
• Further units from the Level 3 Diploma in Children's Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Ireland) QCF
• An awareness of the Children Act 1989 and Children’s rights (UNCRC, 1990)
• Knowledge of typical child development milestones and how this is impacted by hospitalisation
• Knowledge of SoHPS professional standards and code of conduct
• Knowledge of the Foundation Phase and Birth to Three Matters
• Training in Makaton or alternative communication method

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and therefore requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Address: Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, University Hospital of Wales