At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through engaging play and activities that enhance their quality of life.
- Company: Acorns Children's Hospice, a compassionate organisation dedicated to children's palliative care.
- 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 the lives of children and families while enjoying a fulfilling work 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 employer: Job Search Place Limited
Acorns Children's Hospice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for both staff and the families we serve. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including generous pension contributions, health cash plans, and discounts on various services, all while fostering a culture of compassion and professional growth. Working at our Three Counties Hospice in Worcester not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families but also offers opportunities for personal development within a UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play and Activity Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Acorns Children's Hospice and understand their mission and values. This will help you connect your passion for play and activity with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the role and the culture, which can really help you stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical scenarios! Think about how you would engage children in play-based activities, especially those with complex health needs. Be ready to share your ideas during interviews to show your creativity and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Acorns team.
We think you need these skills to ace Play and Activity Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about enhancing their quality of life and are excited about the role.
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 what we do at Acorns!
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 ensures you’re considered for this amazing opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨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
This role is all about compassion and understanding. Be prepared to talk about how you approach sensitive situations and support children and families emotionally. Share examples that demonstrate your ability to create a safe and welcoming environment.
✨Engage with the Community
Discuss your ideas for engaging children and families with local community facilities. Think about how you can encourage outdoor play and community involvement, and be ready to suggest some activities that could enhance their experience at the hospice.
