Job summary
We work closely with all referring specialities, however the BMT patients remain under the care of the BMT service until there are no acute BMT related problems, this period can be between 6 months or a number of years.
Additional support: An area identified as requiring play therapy support is in the sibling donor clinic. The pathway for sibling donors has a clear clinical and ethical framework in line with the Human Tissue Act (2004).
A key aspect of the sibling donor clinic is to support the child and ensure they are adequately prepared. A priority of the donor care pathway is to prevent psychological harm. We currently don’t have any play specialist available to input with this clinic and it has been identified that it would be beneficial for play therapy support to be extended to sibling donors.
This would be a new service. We would plan to evaluate the service with patient and carer surveys.
Additionally, we would envisage that we could develop the following areas with increased play staffing:
Availability for support if acute patient needs arises – including support with other allied health professionals.
Support with palliative care discussions.
Bereavement support – this also links with sibling donor care and follow up.
Main duties of the job
- To undertake therapeutic assessments and devise play programmes for children and young people in hospital, according to their individual needs and as part of the overall care plan
- To plan and implement individual therapeutic play programmes to include preparation for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy and post procedural play.
- To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions using reflective practice to achieve best outcomes
Person Specification
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential
- FdA Health Care Play Specialism. Previous equivalent qualification (HPSC/HPSEB) or Child Life Specialist
- Registered Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS) or Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
- Basic Secondary Education up to 5 GCSE’ or beyond, including English and Maths
Desirable
- NVQ, CACHE, NNEB (level 3) in Child Care/Play Work or Diploma in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or Early Childhood Studies (BA)
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Theoretical knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development
- Knowledge of current best practice
- Knowledge of the value of play for sick children
- Knowledge of effects of hospitalization on children, young people and their families
- Basic knowledge of health legislation and SoHPS guidelines for professional practice
- Knowledge of confidentiality
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of the principles of clinical governance
- Knowledge of professional code of conduct and its application in practice
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to work with and provide creative activities to individual and groups of children/adolescents
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Good organisation skills
- A full understanding and ability to plan and apply play preparation, distraction therapy and post procedural play
- Ability to reflect and adhere to profession boundaries of the role, referring on to line manager where necessary
- Ability to be flexible, exchange and learn new ideas as part of your team
- Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance
- Health, safety, and risk awareness
- Documentation skills
Desirable
- Presentation Skills
- IT Skills
Our Always values
Essential
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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 13 October 2026
