Play Specialist Telford

Job summary

The Children's Unit at The Princess Royal Hospital consists of a 33 Bedded inpatient ward, 3 Bedded Children's Oncology and Haematology Unit, Children's Assessment Unit and Children's Outpatient Departments at both The Princess Royal Hospital and The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. We care for Children and Young People aged 0 to 17 years old with a variety of medical and mental health needs.

Main duties of the job

• Help children and young people to recognise existing coping strategies and form new ones.
• Use their skills to Prepare children and young people for procedures and treatments by putting them in the driving seat and supporting understanding and myth-busting.
• Work with children, young people and families on the most effective ways to distract from procedures and treatments, when appropriate.
• Support children to make sense of what they are experiencing with the strategic use of play-based techniques.
• Offer distraction, relaxation and desensitisation techniques for children and young people undergoing medical procedures.
• Contribute to patient notes and documentation
• Source creative, fun activities and social opportunities for children and young people while they are in hospital.
• Undertake observations and assessments relating to play sessions
• Give support and advice to parent and other care-givers on ways they can support play.
• Supports general play either in the play/adolescent rooms or at the bedside
• Highlight the importance of play in assisting recovery and aiding development to all health professionals and students.
• Help bridge the gap between hospital and home, creating a positive environment and a positive patient journey

About us

Our Poppy's Promise Commitment

We believe that compassionate care sits at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team -- clinical or non-clinical -- plays a vital role in ensuring that patients, families, and colleagues are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect at all times.

We expect all staff to demonstrate compassion not only through their words, but through their actions: by listening attentively, communicating clearly and kindly, and recognising individual needs, feelings, and circumstances of those in our care.

Effective communication is central to safe and high-quality healthcare. We value colleagues who take the time to understand others, explain information in a meaningful way, and respond to concerns with patience and understanding.

By joining our team, you are committing to uphold these values -- ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and valued, and that compassion is embedded in every interaction, every day.

Job responsibilities

For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled Job Description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Foundation Degree programme in Healthcare Play Specialism
• Registered Health Play Specialist

Desirable

• Mentor / Supervisor course

Experience

Essential

• Awareness of basic child protection procedures
• Knowledge and experience related to the use of play in a children's hospital environment clinical (sufficient so that the competencies required for the role will be met).
• To have a basic knowledge of the needs of the child and family

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Ability to cope with stressful working conditions and fluctuating workload
• Ability to work as an individual and within a team

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).