Advanced Play Specialist - Band 6 - Whitechapel

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to support the Pediatric Imaging Department at The Royal London Hospital. We are looking for a qualified and highly experienced Bank Health Play Specialist to support with a current pilot within our the Pediatric Imaging Department at The Royal London Hospital. We are working with the department to reduce the current MRI General Anaesthetic (GA) waitlist. By conducting pre-assessment calls and appointments alongside supporting patients to complete their scans awake. 

We are looking for a Play Specialist who is committed to the delivery of compassionate high-quality care and has the skills to implement specialised play input to support the young people and their families throughout their time in hospital. We are looking for someone who can work on their own initiative, is adaptable and flexible. We value team members who are resourceful, committed and can be an active part of our vision for continuing to drive play forward.

The Foundation Degree in ‘Healthcare Play Specialism’, Edex/BTEC in ‘Specialised Play for the Sick Child’ or the previous HPSC/HPSEB, or international equivalent, is a requirement for this post along with current registration with HPSET. Please do not apply if you do not have the required qualification.

   

Job Purpose 

To use theoretical knowledge and evidence based practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play programmes within the ward/departments, contributing towards the holistic care of children. To promote an awareness of the emotional needs of children in hospital, and the importance of play within the multi-disciplinary team.

 

 Primary Responsibilities:

Clinical / therapeutic

 

  • Ensure that all children receive the appropriate play and stimulation related to their emotional / developmental needs. Organise and facilitate said play.
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate comprehensive play programmes, to include preparation for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy and procedural play as part of the overall care of the child.
  • To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions using reflective practice to achieve best outcomes.
  • To undertake a comprehensive play programme for children referred to the play service when requested by the deputy lead or clinical lead.
  • To provide play-based observations to influence and support the overall assessment of the child.
  • To identify specific play activities to help individual and groups of children to engage with hospital life and promote their understanding of treatment.
  • Create a warm, welcoming, caring and safe environment, which is child friendly.
  • Work in partnership with families within the Children’s Services and Play Service Philosophy, encouraging their involvement where appropriate and contributing towards a caring and safe environment.
  • Through the provision of play provide support for the families and siblings that are under stress and in crisis, demonstrating a commitment to family centred care.
  • Inform, educate, support and advise families in the role of play.

 

Qualifications and knowledge

  • FdE/or equivalent Health Care Play Specialism Qualification (or international equivalent).

  • Awareness of Children’s safeguarding issues

  

Experience

  •  3-5 years’ experience in child care settings.
  • Experience /knowledge of different cultures and ethnic groups.

  • Experience during training or employment working with children within a hospital setting

Skills 

  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills.
  • Flexible and adept at managing evolving workloads.
  • Capable of exercising initiative, working autonomously, and effectively prioritizing tasks.
  • Comprehensive proficiency in utilizing play preparation, distraction therapy, and post-procedural play techniques.
  • Skilled in supervising, instructing, and evaluating students and volunteers.
  • Demonstrates sensitivity and empathy towards children and their families in hospital settings.

As a thank you to all our invaluable Bank Staff we are happy to offer the following advantages:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Access to free Bank Partners Core Skills training
  • Weekly salary
  • Opportunity to work across multiple specialities to gain invaluable experience in various specialities
  • Priority of shifts over all agency workers
  • Competitive pay

Apply now for this exciting opportunity by attaching you CV, and one of our recruitment team members will be in touch shortly.

Bank Partners is an employment agency/employment business (as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003) and is acting on behalf of its client in relation to this vacancy.

 

Bank Partners is an employment agency/employment business (as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003) and is acting on behalf of its client in relation to this vacancy.