Pediatric Play & Family Support Assistant

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SOUTHAMPTON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Southampton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

NHS discounts

35 days holiday (pro rata)

Generous pension scheme

Job summary

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SOUTHAMPTON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST is seeking a Healthcare Play Specialist to support children, young people and their families during their hospital journey by delivering engaging play, recreation and developmental activities that promote wellbeing, recovery and resilience.

You will work with experienced teams to create a safe, welcoming environment where children can play, learn and thrive, adapting activities to meet diverse needs and contributing to family-centred care.

Qualifications

• CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, NNEB qualification or equivalent childcare qualification.
• Knowledge and understanding of child development from birth to 18 years, with a commitment to child and family-centred care.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, young people and families, including those experiencing stress, anxiety or crisis.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team, with strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Delivering and supervising age-appropriate play, recreational and developmental activities that support the emotional, social and developmental wellbeing of children and young people in hospital.
• Creating a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment while helping children, young people and families adapt to hospitalisation through play, recreation and emotional support.
• Working alongside Healthcare Play Specialists and the wider multidisciplinary team to contribute to assessments, care planning and the delivery of play-based interventions, including preparation and distraction techniques following training.
• Maintaining play resources and equipment, keeping accurate records, and supporting service improvement, audits and departmental initiatives to enhance the patient and family experience.

Skills

Passion for children

Creativity

Relationship building

Adaptability

Education

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, NNEB qualification or equivalent

Job description

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SOUTHAMPTON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST is seeking a Healthcare Play Specialist to support children, young people and their families during their hospital journey by delivering engaging play, recreation and developmental activities that promote wellbeing, recovery and resilience.

You will work with experienced teams to create a safe, welcoming environment where children can play, learn and thrive, adapting activities to meet diverse needs and contributing to family-centred care.