Health Play Specialist

Job Summary

We have an exciting opportunity that has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Health Play Specialist to join the Dental GA Unit team.

The Dental GA Unit was commissioned by NHS England in 2021, working with North Thames and South Thames Paediatric Networks in response to the growing paediatric waiting times across London which has been further compounded by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The project aims to combat waiting times by providing additional paediatric dental capacity that will be available to trusts across London and the surrounding local areas. The project will deliver three dental procedure rooms which are expected to be operational by October 2021 and will be based at the Royal London Dental Hospital -Barts Health NHS Trust. This role will treat patients from both Barts Health and other trusts dependent on need. This additional capacity will be appropriate for non-complex paediatric day-case procedures only, for patients that are aged between 2-16 years old, who do not have any complex comorbidities.

We have recognised the need for Play Specialist expertise and support for these paediatric patients requiring dental procedures under general anaesthetic. The Band 5 Dental GA Unit Play Specialist will be supported alongside the Play Department Clinical Lead. They will be joining a friendly and experienced team of Play Specialists and Play Workers based across The Royal London Hospital.

Main Duties of the Job

To act as the 'Project Tooth Fairy' Play Specialist. To use theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play provision within the ward/departments, contributing towards the holistic care of children. To promote an awareness of the emotional needs of children in hospital, and the importance of play within the multi-disciplinary team.

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• FdE/or equivalent Health Care Play Specialism Qualification (or international equivalent).
• Awareness of Children's safeguarding issues

Experience/Knowledge Essential

• Experience during training or employment working with children within a hospital setting.
• Experience in child care settings.
• Experience/knowledge of different cultures and ethnic groups.
• Experience of working within multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge/experience relating to consent, confidentiality and child protection.
• A full understanding and ability to use play preparation, distraction therapy and post-procedural play skills.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details

Employer name: Barts Health NHS Trust

Address: Royal London Hospital, London, E1 1FR

Employer's website: Barts Health NHS Trust