An exciting opportunity has arisen here at NUH, we are looking for a qualified, experienced and registered healthcare play specialist to join the Paediatric Rheumatology Team. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed individual to promote play and provide some therapeutic input to children, young people and their families. You will work both independently and alongside a large multidisciplinary tea, to develop your skill sets in specialist areas and continue your professional development in the hospital setting an out in the community. You will be working with patients ranging from age 0-18 years. The successful candidate will sit under management of the lead paediatric rheumatology nurse but will also be supported by the play specialist lead for professional development and have the opportunity to liaise with the current play team at NUH. We would consider taking year 2 student applications for this post. Main duties of the job Working unsupervised but under the direction of a registered professional, the post holder will be required to provide a high standard of specialised play and support to children and young people in hospital, their own homes and other community settings as required. The post holder must be able to travel to such locations. The post holder will be required to work as a member of the Nottingham paediatric and adolescent rheumatology service and may on occasions be required to assist the paediatric rheumatology service in Leicester. The post holder should be a qualified Hospital Play Specialist (HPS) and may hold the NNEB or CACHE Diploma in Nursery Nursing or BTEC National Diploma in Nursery Nursing/Childhood Studies or equivalent Working for our organisation With over 17,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation. Come and join our wonderful team at NUH. We are big believers in diversity and welcome new ideas to help develop our team in order to deliver world class healthcare to the vast patient populations we serve. With endless personal development opportunities available, at NUH we will endeavour to turn your job into a career We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH. Detailed job description and main responsibilities 1. The post holder will be required to work unsupervised but seek appropriate help and guidance as required. 2. To initially build up relationships with patients and families on the ward in order to help transition out into the community 3. To act as the child’s advocate ensuring the child’s best interests come first. 4. To post holder will need to be able to adapt to different environments and have a flexible schedule whilst booking in hospital settings and home visits. 5. Work with the child’s family as a whole, acknowledging their needs and wishes whilst providing the best care for the child. 6. Devise and implement therapeutic intervention and play activities tailored to each individual child’s health and development needs. These activities should be reviewed regularly. 7. Understand the need and the use of preparation, distraction, post procedural and passive play and implement this to support the child and family through initiation of the management of their rheumatology conditions and procedures. 8. To understand the need for and initiate the use of specialised therapeutic play. Provide appropriate play activities suitable and safe for the use with Rheumatology patients. Person specification Training and Qualifications Essential criteria • Registered as a practitioner with HPSET • Fully qualified HPS - foundation degree • 2 years working within a professional childcare setting Desirable criteria • Safeguarding training and evidence to support this. • NNEB level 3 or equivalent • Previous NHS experience for a minimum of a year. Communication and relationship skills • Able to communicate well with children/young people of all ages • Good written and verbal communication skills • Able to communicate / interact with the Multi Disciplinary and Multi Professional Teams Analytical and Judgement Skills • Rapidly assess the play requirements of children and young people with long term medical conditions • Basic knowledge of child protection issues