Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Hospital Play Assistant
The closing date is 21 May 2026
We have a rare opportunity to join our Play Team on the Child and Adolescent Unit and also support the Children's Out Patient Department.
Our Play Team works with Children and Young People in all areas of Paediatrics including children having surgery, children who are admitted as inpatients, children on the Assessment Unit and children in the Out Patient Department.
A typical day may involve meeting a child who needs surgery, using play to understand any worries, identifying interests and providing appropriate distraction toys. The assistant may accompany the child to the theatre transfer and into the anaesthetic room, advocating for them and their family.
Main duties of the job
To work as part of the Play Team to provide a high quality, holistic play service for children and young people, enabling them to feel safe and at ease in the hospital environment.
To ensure children and young people have access to appropriate play and distraction activities whilst in hospital.
To implement play programmes prepared by play specialists so children and young people understand, accept and co‑operate with treatment.
To facilitate play sessions on a one‑to‑one basis or as a group within the Play room.
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
* Provide developmental play and recreation for all ages and diversities to meet emotional, social and developmental needs.
* Work as a member of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient treatment and care plans.
* Use play to communicate and build rapport with children and young people.
* Provide interesting and stimulating play programmes for children, young people and their families.
* Promote awareness of the emotional needs of children and young people in hospital and the importance of play within the multidisciplinary team.
* Create a safe and welcoming environment for all children to experience play while in hospital.
* Document play interventions and observations in line with Trust policy and procedure.
* Provide play‑based observations to influence and support assessment of the child and report concerns to the play specialist or nurse in charge.
* Help select, monitor and order play resources to reflect patient needs.
* Maintain play equipment in accordance with Trust health, safety and infection prevention and control policies.
* Support orientation, training and supervision of new staff and students.
* Support and involve parents in their child's treatment and play plans where appropriate.
* Assist in establishing communication links with other agencies involved with the child.
* Refer children to the Local Education Authority when educational support is required.
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of child protection procedures.
* Respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of patients and families, providing a service that is sensitive to their needs.
* Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines, taking action or alerting senior management if practice contravenes policy or if concerned about patient care.
* Take responsibility for own learning and development, participating in appraisal, supervision, action learning and maintaining a professional portfolio.
* Comply with Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) policies and procedures as appropriate to the role.
* Always work in accordance with the values and behaviours of the Trust.
Person specification
* Previous experience working with children and young people.
* Experience working with children and young people with mental health concerns.
* Evidence of good communication skills with children and young people.
* Experience communicating with children and young people with additional needs.
* A qualification relevant to children and young people (e.g., NNEB, Young People's Studies, Teaching Assistant or equivalent).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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