[ref. d86596502] Play Assistant - 33 hpw

Job overview

Interview expected to take place in the week following shortlisting: commencing 22.05.25

This is an exciting and rare opportunity for a play assistant to join our team at Children's out patients at St Luke's Hospital. You will be responsible for providing play therapy and distraction for children visiting our department. You will need to be dynamic, fun and creative with an ability to work on your own as well as with the multi-disciplinary team.

33 hours/week Monday-Friday.

Main duties of the job

You will need excellent communication skills to liaise with parents, children and families. You will be required to set up the play area and clear away at the end of the day, maintaining safety and good infection control standards. You will help with patient feedback and ordering and rotation of stock.

Working for our organisation

Our People Charter outlines the behaviours we can expect from one another and what you can expect from Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust:

• We value people
• We are one team
• We care

We’re keen to meet people who share these values and are passionate about delivering the highest quality of care to our patients.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Division: Women and Children's services

Job Purpose:

To be an exceptional Play Assistant in Children's out-patients with a positive attitude and creative approach, providing innovative play therapy for children of all ages and abilities.

To demonstrate excellent communication skills and liaise with children and their families and the multi-disciplinary team.

To be compliant with local policies and promote a safe and clean environment, especially in terms of Safeguarding, Safety, Risk Assessment and Infection Control.

Dimensions/key working relations:

The Child Development Centre is also based here, along with paediatric phlebotomy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychology. We see children of all ages, some of which may have special or complex needs.

The play assistant may also be asked to assist in the weigh room and clinics as necessary.

The play assistant will be required to assist with distraction therapy i.e. children having bloods taken.

The play assistant will help promote Bradford Hospitals Charity and liaise with them.

The play assistant will assist in ordering and stock control.

Activity planning:

To provide safe, creative and appropriate play and learning opportunities.

To assist with the preparation and maintenance of materials and equipment, preparing and cleaning up organised activities.

To take part in all planned activities, ensuring safe supervision.

Contribute to the planning and implementation of fun, imaginative activities and recognise the child's individual abilities and development needs.

Provide play distraction as needed.

Communication

To develop and maintain good relationships with children and their families.

Ensure the children are welcomed into a warm and welcoming environment creating a pleasant atmosphere.

To portray an enthusiastic and committed attitude to the role.

To be part of and liaise with the multi-disciplinary team.

Person specification

Experience

• Minimum of one year’s experience of this role in a paediatric setting, nursery or school.
• Recognised Childcare/play qualification
• Paediatric first aid certificate
• Child protection training

• Health and Safety, risk reporting

Skills

• A good understanding of the needs of children from 0-16 years old.
• Ability to organise, plan and implement activities for children of all ages according to their needs and in the context of health and safety requirements
• Excellent communication skills in order to communicate with children, their families and members of the multi-disciplinary team

Qualifications

• Minimum NVQ/QCF Diploma level 2

• Care Certificate (training to be provided if necessary)