About this role
Job summary
The Children and Young Adults' Research Unit is seeking a qualified and registeredSenior Health Play Specialist (Band 5) to join the Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service within the Acute Child Health Directorate at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales. The post holder will contribute to the delivery and development of therapeutic play interventions that support the emotional wellbeing, engagement and participation of children and young people in clinical care and research activity across the hospital.
Working with the multidisciplinary team, the role will support service improvement and innovation in the use of therapeutic play to enhance children's experiences of healthcare and research. The post holder must be registered with the Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS) and have substantial experience working with children and young people aged 0-16 in either acute hospital or community settings. Welsh language skills are desirable, though applications from both Welsh and English speakers are welcome.
This is a fixed term for 18 Months due to funding
Main duties of the job
The post holder will deliver an accessible and inclusive Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service for babies, children and young people (BCYP) attending Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales. Using specialist knowledge, clinical skills and experience, they will assess individual need and prioritise appropriate therapeutic play interventions, including preparation, distraction and emotional support, to improve children's experiences of healthcare, clinical procedures and participation in research activity.
Working closely with the Play Services Manager, the post holder will support the effective operation and development of the Play Service, contributing to service improvement, optimisation of care pathways and enhancement of patient and family experience. The role will include supporting research and innovation activities within the Children and Young Adults' Research Unit, including collaboration with Cardiff University's CUBRIC centre through the BATRI grant, ensuring children and families are supported to engage in research in an age-appropriate and evidence-based way. The post holder will also provide leadership and act as a role model for junior staff, sharing good practice while managing and delegating referrals for BCYP with complex presentations.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.
Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.
Job description Job responsibilities
The post holder will deliver an accessible and inclusive Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service for babies, children and young people (BCYP) attending Noahs Ark Childrens Hospital for Wales. Using specialist knowledge, clinical skills and experience, they will assess individual need and prioritise appropriate therapeutic play interventions, including preparation, distraction and emotional support, to improve childrens experiences of healthcare, clinical procedures and participation in research activity.
Working closely with the Play Services Manager, the post holder will support the effective operation and development of the Play Service, contributing to service improvement, optimisation of care pathways and enhancement of patient and family experience. The role will include supporting research and innovation activities within the Children and Young Adults Research Unit, including collaboration with Cardiff Universitys CUBRIC centre through the BATRI grant, ensuring children and families are supported to engage in research in an age-appropriate and evidence-based way. The post holder will also provide leadership and act as a role model for junior staff, sharing good practice while managing and delegating referrals for BCYP with complex presentations.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac
Person Specification
Qualification Essential
HPSET Qualified and registered with substantial experience working in an Acute Hospital setting or community setting Knowledge and understanding of the SoHPS Code of Professional Conduct and Professional Standards.
Desirable
NVQ, CACHE, NNEB (Level 3) in Child Care/Play Work or Diploma in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or Early Childhood Studies (BA) Basic Secondary Education up to 5 GCSE level or beyond, including English and Math's (GCSE Grade A* - C) Management and Leadership qualification/training/modules Mentoring/coaching training Communication training E.g., MAKATON, BSL, SIGN ALONG, Touch cues etc. Training in; Guided Imagery, Adolescent Development, Teaching adults
Experience Essential
Substantial post qualifying, experience of working with BCYP in a health care setting, in a variety of clinical areas and/or vast experience in specialised field, including individual and group work. Knowledge and awareness of the emotional and personal impact of the work and the ability to self-manage or seek help appropriately. Detailed knowledge of current health legislation and SoHPS Guidelines for Professional Practice. Detailed knowledge of the principles and application of clinical governance. Comprehensive knowledge and application of therapeutic assessments and interventions to support BCYP cope with and understand their healthcare journey. Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development Experience of supervision of staff and/or volunteers
Desirable
Experience of working with Children in a child Experience working with children with complex health and/or learning disabilities. care setting Experience leading/managing a team. Experience of working on in research or innovation
Skills Essential
Ability to support the development of others and demonstrate sensitivity towards colleagues. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, utilising time management and organisation skills. Ability to assess risks and manage risk benefit analysis, Sharing this information in an effective way. Advanced communication skills to manage difficult conversations and support those with communication difficulties. Leadership skills, to include the ability to reflect on own practice and support the reflection of others. Ability to provide appropriate supervision and feedback to enhance the development of others. Ability to undertake audit and evaluation processes. Demonstrable IT Skills to include excel, word and creating presentations. Ability to understand and adhere to professional boundaries and demonstrate complex thinking.
Desirable
Coaching skills Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh
Special Knowledge Essential
Recorded as a registered Health Play Specialist with Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS)
Desirable
Teaching Skills/Welsh Speaking Recorded as a mentor with SoHPS
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Address Noah's Ark Children's Hospital
University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park
Cardiff
CF14 4XW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)