Health Play Assistant (KA) in Edinburgh inEdinburgh PUBLISHED WED 16 APR 2025 Jump to job information section
NHS Lothian rd3KVzM
Job description
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.
Please note we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage
This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/ record. If the post holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post.
Please note: As this post is part-time the salary will be pro-rata.
Working towards the achievement of Health Play Specialist.
The postholder will be responsible for organising play and recreational activities for all children and young people (patients and siblings) within a variety of settings in the Children’s Service and other areas of the Trust as required.
To manage and maintain a child focused environment where play occurs naturally.
To gain theoretical knowledge and evidence based practice in order to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play interventions in hospital.
To document therapeutic interventions and outcomes.
To develop skills, knowledge and be responsible for own practice.
To promote awareness and understanding of the emotional needs of children in hospital, the psychosocial effects of hospitalisation and the importance of play, within the multi-disciplinary team.
For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification. If after reading this information you have any questions please contact Margaret McEwan,
We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.
Please note we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage
This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/ record. If the post holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post.
Please note: As this post is part-time the salary will be pro-rata.
Working towards the achievement of Health Play Specialist.
The postholder will be responsible for organising play and recreational activities for all children and young people (patients and siblings) within a variety of settings in the Children’s Service and other areas of the Trust as required.
To manage and maintain a child focused environment where play occurs naturally.
To gain theoretical knowledge and evidence based practice in order to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play interventions in hospital.
To document therapeutic interventions and outcomes.
To develop skills, knowledge and be responsible for own practice.
To promote awareness and understanding of the emotional needs of children in hospital, the psychosocial effects of hospitalisation and the importance of play, within the multi-disciplinary team.
For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification. If after reading this information you have any questions please contact Margaret McEwan,
Not sure?
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
Requirements
See the job description for full role requirements.
Benefits
Benefits are provided by the employer and will be confirmed during your application.
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More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:
Useful skills for a Health Play Assistant (KA):
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To work as a Health Play Assistant (also known as a Play Specialist or Play Practitioner) in the UK, you'll need a combination of skills and qualifications. Here are some essential skills and competencies required for this role:
1. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and healthcare professionals. This includes both verbal and non-verbal communication.
2. Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport and trust with children and their families, being empathetic, and understanding their emotional needs.
3. Playwork Skills: Knowledge of child development and play theory, with the ability to facilitate play activities that are suitable for different age groups and developmental stages.
4. Observational Skills: The ability to observe children and understand their behavior and needs, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable in a healthcare environment.
5. Teamwork: Working collaboratively with healthcare teams, including doctors, nurses, and other support staff, to provide comprehensive care for children.
6. Organizational Skills: Ability to plan and organize play activities and find resources that are appropriate for the patient population.
7. Emotional Resilience: Managing the emotional challenges that come with working in a healthcare environment, especially with children undergoing treatment for illness.
8. Creativity: Developing innovative play activities and solutions that engage children and help ease their anxieties related to medical procedures.
9. Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds of children and families, tailoring approaches that are sensitive to different cultural contexts.
10. Child Safeguarding Knowledge: Awareness of child protection policies and procedures, ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
11. Problem-Solving Skills: Being able to think on your feet and adapt plans to accommodate the individual needs of children in dynamic situations.
Qualifications:
While specific qualifications can vary, having a relevant level of education or training is important. Common paths include:
- A Level 3 diploma in Children's Play, Learning and Development or equivalent.
- Relevant experience in childcare, healthcare, or playwork.
- Training in child development or pediatric healthcare can be beneficial.
- First Aid certification, particularly pediatric first aid.
Relevant Experience:
Experience working with children, whether in health settings, schools, nurseries, or community programs, can be highly advantageous.
Additional Considerations:
Many positions may require further background checks, such as an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for working with children.
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55.953252 -3.188267 Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom 
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