Job Summary
A unique opportunity has arisen for a skilled and dynamic Health Play Specialist to join our experienced and forward-thinking team of Health Play Specialists. The post holder will work with paediatric and teenage and young adult (TYA) patients across both the radiotherapy (RT) and Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) departments supporting patients and their families attending for planning and treatment. They will be part of a specialist multi-disciplinary team and play a key role in reducing the anxiety associated with RT/PBT treatments.
UCLH is the largest provider of paediatric and TYA radiotherapy services in the UK, treating approximately 300 patients per year. The RT department delivers radiotherapy services for a broad spectrum of cancers comprising of common cancers as well as specialist treatments including brachytherapy, molecular radiotherapy and total body irradiation. The PBT department focus’s predominantly on head and neck, neurological and sarcoma treatment sites and is one of only two NHS PBT centres in the UK.
We are seeking a committed individual with the energy and focus to continue building on the existing service of excellence.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will undertake the core aspects of the Health Play Specialist role, from building trusting relationships, to preparing for each stage of the RT/PBT pathway. Daily activities will include supporting and distracting during invasive procedures using a range of therapeutic techniques, as well as normalising and recreational play. Other duties involve documentation and attendance at MDT and clinics. There are also opportunities for supporting and mentoring students, teaching and presentations, and developing the role across both departments. They will also benefit from being part of a wider play team supporting other paediatric/ TYA services here at UCLH.
Applicants are required to have experience of working with paediatric and TYAs in a healthcare setting and to be able to deal sensitively with families under stress. They will need to be able to engage easily with the patient and to be able to work effectively alongside MDT colleagues to enhance the hospital experience. The postholder will work as part of a supportive team where play and recreation is highly valued as an integral part of the treatment pathway for children and young people.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
- Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Health Care Play Specialism or previous HPSC/HPSEB, Edexcel PDC/HND in Hospital Play Specialism or oversees equivalent.
- Bachelor’s Degree (or overseas equivalent) in a subject relevant to work with children and/or young people.
- Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development For example; Counselling Skills certificate, Supervisory Skills Training, Presentation skills., Published articles, Conference Presentations
- Specialist knowledge and application of therapeutic assessments and interventions relevant to patient group and treatment plan.
- Knowledge of the effects of hospitalisation, treatment and long term chronic and life threatening illness on children and young people and their families.
- Knowledge and awareness of the emotional and personal impact of the work and ability to self -manage or seek help appropriately
- Knowledge of current health legislation and SoHPS Guidelines for Professional Practice
- Knowledge of the principles and application of clinical governance.
Desirable
- NNEB/ NVQ Level 3 or equivalent training involving normal child care and development.
Experience
Essential
- Post qualifying and recent, comprehensive experience of working with children and/or young people in a health care setting, in a variety of clinical areas and/or vast experience in specialised field.
- Experience of effective working as a team member within the MDT.
- Experience of providing family centred care and working with the extended family
- Experience of working with children and/or young people with special needs including those with challenging behaviours.
- Experience of working with patients with challenging behaviours.
Desirable
- Comprehensive experience of leading play/recreation activities for babies, children and/or young people.
- Regular supervision of students.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Theoretical understanding of and ability to manage & apply therapeutic play interventions for children and young people in a hospital setting including preparation, distraction therapy and post procedural play.
- Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
- Word processing, excel and internet search skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as within a team, manage own workload and determine priorities under pressure.
- Able to communicate complex information effectively with patients, families and staff, in written, verbal and nonverbal forms
Desirable
- Presentation skills
- Counselling skills
Other requirements
Essential
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 27 January 2025
