About this role
Job summary Health Play Specialist
Based on the Chelsea site although working across all WLCH sites
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Health Play Specialist to join the Play Team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital. The successful candidate will be working alongside a team of Play Support workers, Health Play Specialists, Senior Health Play Specialist and a Youth worker, as well as part of the Multi-Disciplinary team. This role is based at Chelsea and Westminster, but there is cross cover to all of our WLCH sites
The Play and Youth Service works closely with the Physiotherapists and provide joint MDT care within our wards.
The role requires you to have excellent verbal and communication skills, and a clear understanding of safeguarding processes and patient confidentiality. The successful candidate will have a working knowledge of child development theories, and how to implement them to support development through play. The successful candidate will hold a Fda in Healthcare Play Specialism or a recognised health play specialist qualification and will be registered with HPSET.
Main duties of the job
The Health Play Specialist will be required to work both autonomously, and as part of the team, and will be required to organise their working day to fit in with the needs of the patients and families.
Play and therapeutic support is central to a patient's care pathway, and with this in mind, the successful applicant will need to be able to work creatively to ensure that long-term patients have access to a wide variety of stimulating play activities and support. As well as being able to provide a high level of procedure support to our patients before, during and after hospital procedures.
About us
ABOUT WEST LONDON CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE
West London Children's Healthcare was formed on 1st April 2022 bringing paediatric services at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHT) and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CWFT) under a single leadership structure accountable to both Trust Boards for all elements of operational, quality, safety and financial performance. WLCH runs services from Chelsea & Westminster Hospital; Hammersmith Hospital; St Mary's Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital. In addition, two child development services operate from the Cheyne Centre and Woodfield Road.
WLCH also partners closely with The Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health at Imperial College London (PaeCH) to ensure that care is research driven, with a specific focus on the common diseases of childhood.
It is recognised that significant variations in outcomes exist for children and young people in North West London. These variations are driven both by the social economic factors that impact the daily lives of CYP but also as a consequence of variation in systems, processes and access to healthcare.
Job description Job responsibilities
This role will enable the post holder to gain experience in covering a variety of paediatric areas including Children's Outpatients, HDU, Day Surgery and General Paediatric Inpatients.
Please note only applicants who hold a recognised Health Play Specialist qualification will be considered.
Person Specification
Trust Values Essential
Putting patients first Responsive to, and supportive of, patients and staff Open, welcoming and honest Unfailingly kind, treating everyone with respect, compassion and dignity Determined to develop our skills and continuously improve the quality of care
Education and qualifications Essential
A recognised Health Play Specialist Qualification or level 4 Diploma in Specialised play for Current registration with HPSET or overseas equivalent Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
Experience Essential
Demonstrable experience of working with infants/ children/ young people. Experience of working with sick children and children with a physical or learning disability. Experience of effective working as a team member. Experience of working with parents and extended families.
skills and Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of the effects of hospitalisation on children and their families. A full understanding and ability to apply play preparation, distraction therapy and post procedural play skills. Knowledge of professional code of conduct and its application in practice. An awareness of health and safety and risk management. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with families under stress and in crisis. Ability to work with individuals and groups of children/young people. Ability to work under pressure and flexibly as part of a team. Ability to work confidently in a variety of wards/areas. Ability to understand and adhere to professional boundaries of the role, referring on to line manager where necessary. Effective strategies for dealing with stressful interpersonal situations Able to present information written and orally, in a clear & logical manner
Personal Qualities Essential
Commitment to patient/family-centred, non-discriminatory practice. Sensitive/empathetic to children and families in hospital. Enthusiasm, self-motivation and initiative. Maintain professional image. Punctual. Adaptable and flexible. Willing to learn new skills.
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).
Employer details Employer name Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Chelsea & Westminster
369 Fulham Road
London
SW10 9NH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)