Play Team Assistant

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT

Southampton

On-site

GBP 21,000 - 26,000

Full time

18 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

NHS discounts

35 days paid holiday (pro rata)

Generous pension scheme

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Play Team Assistant to deliver play, recreation and developmental activities for children and young people in hospital. You will support emotional wellbeing and collaborate with the healthcare team to promote recovery and resilience.

We value compassionate, creative individuals who can adapt activities to diverse needs and build strong relationships with children and families, contributing to a positive hospital experience.

Qualifications

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education or NNEB or equivalent.
Knowledge of child development from birth to 18 years.
Ability to communicate with children, young people and families.
Experience working in a team with good communication and problem-solving skills.
Move and handle patients and equipment safely.

Responsibilities

Deliver and supervise age-appropriate play and developmental activities.
Create a safe, welcoming environment to help families adapt to hospitalisation through play.
Work with Healthcare Play Specialists and multidisciplinary teams on assessments and care planning.
Maintain play resources, keep records, support audits and service improvements.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Creative

Enthusiastic

Relationship building

Adapt activities

Child and family-centred care

Education

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education / NNEB / equivalent

Job description

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Play Team Assistant

Contract Type: Permanent

Under current Home Office rules, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.

Main Duties of the Job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team 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.

Working alongside our experienced Healthcare Play Specialists and multidisciplinary teams, you will help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children can play, learn and thrive. From supporting children to adjust to hospital life, to providing emotional support during difficult times, no two days are the same.

We're Looking For Someone Who

Has a passion for working with children and young people.
Is creative, compassionate and enthusiastic.
Enjoys building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
Can adapt activities to meet a wide range of developmental and individual needs.
Is committed to delivering outstanding child and family-centred care.

In return, you'll join a supportive and experienced team where your ideas and contributions are valued, with opportunities to develop your skills and make a genuine difference to the experiences of children and families within our Children's Hospital.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Detailed Job Description And Main 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.

What Experience/skills Are Needed

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.

Additional Information

Previous experience in an acute hospital setting would be advantageous but is not essential.

The role requires the ability to safely move and handle children, patients and equipment in line with Trust policies and procedures.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake safeguarding training and work in accordance with safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, and clinical governance requirements.

This post is subject to the appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. NNEB up to Degree Level or equivalent
Ability to move and handle patients and equipment.
Demonstrates clarity and breadth in use of English language.
Ability to communicate and work with parents and or families under stress and in crisis.
Knowledge and understanding of child development up to the age of 18 years
Experience of working effectively in a team.
Commitment to patient/family-centred, non-discriminatory practice

Desirable criteria