Skilled Children's Play and Health Care Worker

Skilled Childrens Play and Health Care Worker Band 2

Role Purpose

The Skilled Childrens Play and Health Care Worker is responsible for delivering high-quality, compassionate and child-centred care to children and young people aged 019 with moderate to complex health and developmental needs.

The role combines personal and health care with play-based interaction, sensory support, learning opportunities and emotional support. You will work closely with children and their families, building positive and trusting relationships and ensuring that care is delivered safely and in accordance with individual care plans, risk assessments, policies and procedures.

As a Band 2 member of the care team, you will also support and mentor Band 1 carers, lead by example and contribute to the continuous improvement of care quality and family experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality personal, health and play-based care to children and young people with moderate to complex care needs.
• Develop positive and trusting relationships with children, young people and their families, supporting health outcomes, emotional wellbeing and positive care experiences.
• Use play, sensory activities, learning opportunities and community-based activities to promote development, confidence, engagement and enjoyment.
• Support children with their individual health and care needs in accordance with agreed care plans, risk assessments, training and assessed competencies.
• Administer medication safely and accurately in accordance with care plans, training, policy and procedures.
• Work independently within agreed care plans, professional boundaries and assessed competencies, taking appropriate initiative while ensuring safe practice.
• Recognise and escalate changes in a childs health or wellbeing and report health, safety or safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, confidentiality, dignity, respect and professional conduct at all times.
• Provide constructive feedback regarding care plans and risk assessments to support timely review and help maintain safe and effective care.
• Build professional and collaborative relationships with families, colleagues and other health, social care and education professionals involved in the childs support.

Mentoring and Team Responsibilities

• Support and mentor Band 1 carers in their day-to-day responsibilities and professional development.
• Lead by example through reliable attendance, professional behaviour, effective communication and high standards of care.
• Share knowledge and experience appropriately to help colleagues develop their confidence and competence.
• Work collaboratively with the wider care team and contribute positively to service delivery and family experience.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings, supervision and other required meetings.

Record Keeping and Administration

• Complete accurate and timely care and visit records.
• Complete accident forms, safeguarding reports and other required documentation appropriately and within required timescales.
• Maintain accurate records relating to medication administration in accordance with policy and training.
• Accurately log attendance, including arrival and departure from visits, in accordance with the rota and organisational procedures.
• Complete mileage claims and other relevant administrative requirements accurately and promptly.
• Use relevant mobile applications and information technology systems to complete documentation required for the role.

Training and Professional Development

• Complete all mandatory online and face-to-face training within required timescales.
• Attend regular supervision and maintain the knowledge and competencies required for the role.
• Take responsibility for ongoing learning and professional development.
• Maintain compliance with organisational policies, safeguarding requirements, health and care standards and relevant regulatory requirements.

Professional Responsibilities

• Represent Lagans Foundation professionally and positively when working with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.
• Act as an ambassador for Lagans Foundation and demonstrate the organisations values of Passion, Resilience, Integrity and Communication, and Empathy.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusive practice in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Demonstrate adaptability, resilience, effective decision-making and a positive approach to delivering high-quality care.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of care standards and service delivery.
• Participate in Lagans Foundation events, campaigns and family engagement activities where required.

Working Pattern

The role requires flexibility and commitment to the agreed working pattern across Prestwich and Sale. This includes split shifts during term time, allocated shifts during school holidays and participation in the weekend rota.

While this role is primarily based within the advertised care package, some flexibility is required to maintain contracted hours and meet service needs. This may include supporting other care packages within the local area and providing cover for staff holidays, sickness or changes in service requirements. Any additional locations and working arrangements will be discussed as part of the rota.

The post holder must be able to work independently and as part of a wider team while maintaining reliability, professionalism and continuity of care for the children and families supported by Lagans Foundation.