Location
The White House, Woodford Green

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£32,073 per annum

About the Role
The Play Specialist will lead and coordinate the delivery of therapeutic, developmental and recreational play across the Integrated Care Team. This role involves providing hands-on play support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, while managing the day-to-day running of the play service. You will work across the hospice, family homes through the Hospice at Home service, and community settings where required. The role promotes normal childhood experiences, emotional wellbeing, inclusion and quality of life. You will coordinate the rota and resources of the wider play team and act as the key point of contact for play provision, working collaboratively with families and the multidisciplinary team.

Service Coordination
Coordinate the daily delivery of the play service across all care settings, ensuring consistent cover. Plan and coordinate the play team rota, including Play Coordinators and volunteers, in agreement with the Nursing Service Lead. Act as the first point of contact for play-related queries from families, the multidisciplinary team and external partners. Manage the ordering, maintenance and safe storage of play equipment and resources, monitoring stock and escalating replacement needs. Support the induction, supervision and guidance of Play Coordinators, students and volunteers. Coordinate referrals and prioritisation of play support, aligning provision with clinical need. Contribute to planning and coordination of play-related events, activities and family days.

Clinical and Play Practice
Plan, organise and deliver age-appropriate therapeutic and recreational play activities that promote choice, independence, inclusion and participation. Support respite, day care, Hospice at Home and end-of-life care where appropriate. Assist with personal care while maintaining dignity and respect. Follow individual care plans, play care plans and risk assessments. Observe and report changes in a child's physical, emotional or behavioural wellbeing. Maintain a safe, stimulating and welcoming play environment. Adapt activities for children with complex medical needs, learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Use specialist equipment safely following appropriate training. Review and update individual play care plans to reflect current developmental needs, preferences, abilities, interests and goals, escalating significant changes to nursing leads. Deliver planned play and wellbeing sessions within family homes as part of Hospice at Home, providing therapeutic play, emotional support and meaningful activities in partnership with families and the multidisciplinary team. Collaborate with Children’s Clinical Nurse Specialists to support memory work for children and families receiving palliative and end-of-life care, including creation of personalised keepsakes and legacy items. Accurately document memory work and Hospice at Home interventions, updating play care plans accordingly.

Family Support
Build positive relationships with children, young people and families. Support parents and carers to participate in play. Provide compassionate emotional support. Ensure activities reflect individual preferences, culture and wishes.

Communication
Work effectively within the multidisciplinary team. Participate in handovers and team meetings. Maintain accurate records and share relevant observations to support care planning. Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Professional Responsibilities
Complete mandatory training, appraisal and supervision. Maintain professional knowledge and competence. Follow safeguarding and hospice policies. Promote equality, diversity and inclusion. Report incidents and safety concerns. Care for hospice equipment.

Other Duties
Promote and live the Haven House values of Compassionate, Professional, Respectful and Safe. Work collaboratively as part of the Haven House One Team approach to ensure integrated, child-centred care. Act as an ambassador for the hospice by conducting yourself in line with its cultures and behaviours. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to support achieving an Outstanding rating. Offer flexible support for the organisation’s work, adapting to new duties and responsibilities as needed. This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to review as part of individual performance processes. Employment is subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

Experience
Experience working with children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions or in a therapeutic play environment is desirable. Experience coordinating teams and managing resources is advantageous.

About you
Compassionate and motivated individual with a commitment to promoting emotional wellbeing and inclusion. Able to build positive relationships with children, young people, families and multidisciplinary teams. Flexible and adaptable with strong organisational and communication skills. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Willingness to work across multiple settings including hospice, family homes and community environments.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in play work, therapeutic play, child development or a related field are preferred. Commitment to ongoing professional development and mandatory training. Enhanced DBS clearance required.