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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Play Specialist is a person with expert knowledge and experience of play with the well child and with the sick child/young person. She/he is a fully integrated member of the Health Professionals Team. The Play Specialist will work within the Play team but will work independently using their initiative, organisation, leadership and time management.                           

The Play Specialist will provide developmental, therapeutic and specialised play techniques for all ages and diversities in an effort to fulfil emotional, physical, social and developmental needs and help alleviate emotional trauma within families. They will provide interesting and stimulating play programmes for children, young people and their families, ensuring to highlight the importance of play in assisting recovery and aiding development to all health professionals and students.

They will help to bridge the gap between hospital and home, creating a positive environment and a positive patient journey.

Play staff will work for the Play Services across the Children’s Division and will be asked to work in other areas and undertake Play Service projects

The post holder is expected to ensure that their own practice is of a safe standard and in accordance with the unit policies.

Create a safe and welcoming environment assessing the needs and views of children and young people to provide developmental and therapeutic play, ensuring that resources are clean and in good repair

Form supportive relationships with family members encouraging them to participate in play and assisting the developing needs of their child and aiding their recovery.

Provide play to accommodate all ages, and abilities, individually or in groups aware of individuals needs and liaise relevant information / concerns with Multi-disciplinary team.

Devise individual play programmes where appropriate fulfilling all developmental, psychological and social needs for long term patients or those with specific need. Communicate and document information in patient’s notes, maintaining confidentiality.

Liaise with all professionals within the multi-disciplinary team, e.g. physiotherapists, observing children / young people and act on findings, use play to make treatment more acceptable to the child.

Assess patients and provide distraction or diversional therapy with the child/young person undergoing painful or invasive procedures. Use preparation and distraction techniques as appropriate.

Act as a communication link, with Multi-Disciplinary team and outside agencies , offer help and support on matters concerning Play, representing the child and their family or the play team.