Play Leader

There has never been a more exciting time to join the Play Services Team at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. We are looking for 2 new part-time Play Leaders 1 x 30 hours and 1 x 15 hrs per week.

We have one 15 hr post working on our Children’s Medical/ High Dependency Unit and one 30 hr post on the Children’s inpatient psychiatric unit.

For our Children and Young People on the unit you will be working with those up to 16 years with complex emotional and psychological issues. This may also include other challenging behaviours, so some experience is essential particularly in this area. Referrals to the unit include a variety of problems which require a multidisciplinary approach. You need to be able to relate to all ages and have a mature approach to challenges as well as have the necessary skills to engage in appropriate and meaningful therapeutic play relationships.

Play and stimulation is a very important part of any child’s recovery process. Your role within the six bedded high dependency unit is to encourage and integrate play and stimulation where appropriate. Using play, recreation, and activities to assist patient development, relieve boredom, aid recovery, and create a child and young person friendly environment - leading to a positive ethos and a good patient experience.

You will work as part of an experienced team of registered Health Play Specialists and Play Leaders, who will provide a supportive learning environment to develop professionally. The Play Services Team typically work Mon-Fri but this is currently being reviewed with the aim to expand to a seven-day provision across Children’s Services.

If you have the right skills and experience and are passionate about helping children achieve a positive experience of hospital using therapeutic play techniques, we would like to hear from you.

What we can offer you

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.

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. 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 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Your Responsibilities

Youmusthavea Level 3 Child Care Diploma or above and experience working with children and young people of mixed age range and ability. As some of our patients are admitted due to trauma, illness or are with us for some time you need to have an understanding of the impact of illness on development.

What you’ll do

Manage and maintain a safe, child focussed environment where play occurs naturally. providing play and recreation for all ages, ability, and diversities to fulfil emotional, social, and developmental needs. Highlighting the importance of play in assisting recovery and aiding development to parents, carers, and all health professionals.

Work effectively with your multi-disciplinary team colleagues as well as work flexibly and creatively, using a mix of play techniques to support throughout the patient’s journey.

Forming supportive relationships with family members and encouraging them to participate in play and recreation assisting the developing needs of their child/young person and aiding their recovery and psychosocial needs. When required providing support for siblings if they visit making them feel safe and welcomed to the medical environment.

What we’re looking for

You need to be highly motivated, adaptable, and work well in a team as well as have excellent communication skills in communicating both with the multidisciplinary team and the children and families attending the ward/unit. At the same time maintaining confidentiality, having a sensitive approach to each individual case. You must be flexible with day-to-day requirements of the post and be able to accurately document the care you have provided in the hospital notes (where appropriate) and Play Service Documentation.

The Play Services Team will provide the opportunity to develop personally and professionally giving support and guidance to expand your skills and experience across a wealth of conditions.

The successful applicant will need to be passionate and committed to meeting the needs of children and young people and their families