JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Hospital Play Specialist

Accountable to: Play Service Manager

Responsible to: Team Leader/Play Co-ordinator

Grade: Basic Grade Hospital Play Specialist

Liaises with: - Multidisciplinary team.

JOB SUMMARY

· To manage and maintain a child focused environment where play occurs naturally.

· To use theoretical knowledge and evidence based practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play interventions in hospital and in the community.

· To document therapeutic interventions and outcomes.

· To develop skills, knowledge and be responsible for own practice.

· To promote an awareness of the emotional needs of children in hospital and the importance of play, within the multi-disciplinary team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical/ Therapeutic

 

· To undertake therapeutic assessments and devise play programmes for children and young people in hospital, according to their individual needs and as part of the overall care plan.

· To plan and implement individual therapeutic play programmes to include preparation for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy and post procedural play.

· To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions using reflective practice to achieve best outcomes.

· To provide support to families under stress and in crisis.
Communication

 

 

· To establish effective communication, both verbal and written with all members of the multidisciplinary team.

· To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to decisions with regard to patient treatment/care plans.

· To provide play based observations to influence and support the overall assessment of the child.
Documentation

· To ensure that up to date written records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.
Professional Ethics

· To comply with the NAHPS Code of Professional Conduct and Trust policies.

· To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of patients and their families, and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs

 
Personal Development

· To review and reflect on own practice through the effective use of clinical supervision and appraisal.
Training staff & students

· To participate in the orientation, training and supervision of students.

· To participate in the training and education of staff to promote an awareness of the therapeutic benefits of play in hospital.

Service development & delivery

· To participate in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, care pathways and protocols.

· To participate in the delivery of the play service development plan.

 
Professional development

 

· To apply theoretical knowledge and understanding to professional practice.

· To maintain a professional portfolio in line with HPSET recommendations for re-registration recording learning outcomes from participation in internal and external development opportunities.

· To be proactive in up-dating knowledge and understanding of current research and best practice.
Clinical Governance

· To work within the Trust’s clinical governance and quality agenda.

· To demonstrate an understanding of NAHPS Guidelines for Professional Practice.
Responsibility for Resources

· To select, monitor and order play resources to reflect the needs of the patient group.

· To be responsible for maintaining play equipment, in accordance with Trust health and safety standards.

 

· This job description is not exhaustive, and may be subject to review in consultation with the postholder to meet the changing needs of the service.

· The post holder is expected to comply with all relevant Trust policies, procedures and guidelines, including those relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Confidentiality of Information.

 

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job title: - Basic Grade Hospital Play Specialist

 

 

 

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

HOW TESTED
TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS Level 4 Diploma in Specialised Play for Sick Children and Young People/ Edexcel Certificate in Hospital Play Specialism/HPSC/HPSEB.

NHS Training in child protection issues.

 

 

 

 CV

Interview
EXPERIENCE Experience of working with children/young people in a hospital setting.

Experience of effective working as a team member.

Experience of working with parents and extended families.

 Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development.

Experience of working with children with special needs including those with challenging behaviours.

 Professional Portfolio.

Interview.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Knowledge of current best practice.

Ability to work with individuals and groups of children/young people.

Theoretical knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development.

A full understanding and ability to apply play preparation, distraction therapy and post procedural play skills.

Ability to communicate with families under stress and in crisis.

Ability to work on own initiative.

Knowledge of professional code of conduct and its application in practice

Basic knowledge of health legislation and NAHPS guidelines for professional practice.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Basic knowledge of the principles of clinical governance.

Good organisation skills.

Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.

An awareness of health and safety and risk management.

 Training and presentation skills

 

Word processing and internet skills

 Interview
OTHER Registration with HPSET

Commitment to patient/family-centred, non-discriminatory practice

 

 Membership of Professional Body CV.

Professional Portfolio.

 

 

 

 

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