Play and Activities Worker

Play is an important part of everyday life at Naomi and Jack's and one of the many ways we support the babies, children and young adults we care for. We help families by creating opportunities for fun and making memories, tailored to each child or young adult's individual needs. From arts and crafts, messy play, swimming, baking, music therapy, themed activities, events and more, we make a positive difference to the lives of the families in our care.

And every day is different… Do you want to help us make this happen? Play is not only about having fun, but it also aids both physical and educational development, social interaction, pain management, communication and exercise. As part of a small ambitious team, your role will be to help organise and facilitate a variety of exciting and interactive activities using an engaging, fun and professional approach.

Your role

will be to support babies, children and young adults as well as their siblings and family members, to help make memories and positive experiences amongst what can be a very emotional and challenging time. You will need to demonstrate that same fun, engaging, energetic and professional approach to your work. As we provide care to children and young adults, from birth up to the age of 35 years, an understanding of age appropriate activities and interests is vital, as is previous experience and sensitivity to the needs of children and young adults with complex needs.

You will need to be adaptable, able to work independently and be confident to lead an activity, supported by care colleagues, as well as work as part of the team for events and group activities. You will also visit children and young adults in the community, taking the joy of play and activities in to family homes. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes 28-days holiday plus bank holidays, group pension scheme, (with the ability to remain in the NHS pension for current members), life assurance, HSF Health cash plan, Perkbox, Blue Light discount, free parking, opportunities for professional development and growth, and working in a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Based here at the hospice, but with regular travel for community visits, trips and outings, you will need a current driving licence and be willing to drive our wheelchair accessible vehicle. A driving licence is essential due to rural location. Working 37.5 hours per week. Your working pattern will be shift based including evening and weekends.

Salary: (Band 4 equivalent) - up to £29,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to apply for an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) and asked to provide satisfactory references covering the last 5 years.

We are currently unable to support any applications for sponsorship from candidates residing outside of the UK. We are an Equal Opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised date once sufficient suitable applications have been received.

Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Click on the link below to find out more about the importance of play at Naomi and Jack's in this article from Claire Potterton, Play and Activities Team Leader.