Health Playworker

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust; West of England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Health Playworker position within the Play Department at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust involves working across wards, the play department and the wider hospital to support children, babies and families through meaningful play activities. You will document therapeutic interventions in children's notes and ensure patient confidentiality is maintained.

You will be assigned to one area but may move to others and must hold a level 3 play qualification with two years of relevant experience, working

Qualifications

• NVQ level 3 in play or equivalent
• Three GCSEs or equivalent at grade C or above, including maths and English
• Working with children or young people in a play, education or hospital setting
• Two years' work experience in a play or childcare setting

Responsibilities

• Communicate appropriately with babies, children, young people, families and the multidisciplinary team
• Provide an inclusive play service across the wards, play department and hospital
• Work in other areas as required, including moving between assigned areas
• Maintain data in line with ward and Trust standards
• Document therapeutic interventions and outcomes in children's case notes
• Maintain high levels of patient confidentiality
• Attend team and staff meetings to share Trust and Play department information
• Review own practice and performance through annual check-ins and 1-1s
• Keep records of training attended as part of check-ins and reflective practice
• Keep up to date with all Trust training requirements
• Take part in internal and external learning opportunities

Skills

Child development knowledge

Written and verbal communication

Organisation skills

IT skills

Team collaboration

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Play

GCSEs including Maths and English

Job description

A Health Playworker post in the Play Department at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, covering the wards, the play department and the wider hospital. The role centres on communicating with babies, children, young people and families, documenting therapeutic interventions in children's case notes, and keeping patient information confidential. The postholder is assigned to one area but may be moved to others and refers to the health play specialist or senior play team. Fit depends on a level 3 play qualification and two years' experience in a play or childcare setting.

What the job involves

• Communicate appropriately with babies, children, young people, families and the multidisciplinary team
• Provide an inclusive play service across the wards, play department and hospital
• Work in other areas as required, including moving between assigned areas
• Maintain data in line with ward and Trust standards
• Document therapeutic interventions and outcomes in children's case notes
• Maintain high levels of patient confidentiality
• Attend team and staff meetings to share Trust and Play department information
• Review own practice and performance through annual check-ins and 1-1s
• Keep records of training attended as part of check-ins and reflective practice
• Keep up to date with all Trust training requirements
• Take part in internal and external learning opportunities

Qualifications

• NVQ level 3 in play or equivalent
• Three GCSEs or equivalent at grade C or above, including maths and English

Experience

• Working with children or young people in a play, education or hospital setting
• Two years' work experience in a play or childcare setting
• Working as part of a team and as an individual
• Working with parents, carers and extended family

Skills & knowledge

• Good knowledge of child development
• Providing creative activities to individuals and groups of children and young people
• Health, safety, infection control and risk awareness
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Good organisation skills
• Good basic IT skills

Other

• Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting demands
• Positive and motivated team player
• Enthusiastic and motivated to continually develop

Nice to have

• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicating effectively at all levels
• Training or qualification that supports the role, such as sensory play, disability awareness or arts and crafts