Play Assistant

Job summary

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate individual to join the Children's Unit team at Musgrove Park Hospital as a Play Assistant. This role focuses on supporting and engaging children aged 0 to 18 within the inpatient wards through various activities and play. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and experience in play and recreation with well children and will be a fully integrated member of the Health Professionals Team.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

The Play Assistant will be based within the Children's Unit at Musgrove Hospital and work within the Play Team.

• You will independently, liaise closely with Play Specialists, using own initiative and organisation skills to ensure the provision meets the needs of the service. You will provide individual developmental play, structured play/facilitated and recreation in an effort to fulfil emotional, social and developmental needs.
• You will help create a positive environment and positive patient experience for all children and young people and their families.
• You will provide interesting and stimulating play/recreation programmes for children, young people ensuring that the needs of the patient are placed at the centre of care delivery.
• You will highlight the importance of play in assisting recovery and aiding development to parents, carers and all health professionals and students.

About us

As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.

You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.

We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.

Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!

Job description

Please see attached job description for full details, duties, responsibilities and person specification for this role

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

Relevant qualification NVQ level 3, NNEB or relevant experience

Experience

Essential

Experience working with children of different ages

Desirable

Experience working with children with various health conditions

Additional Criteria

Essential

Good organisational skills, ability to manage own time and plan timed activities for individuals and colleagues.

Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations and act within sphere of competence.

Desirable

Knowledge of child development therapeutic programmes of play

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.

For help with your application, contact:

Suzy Mason

[email protected]

01823343759