Hospital Play Specialist: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Hospital Play Specialist at UHS. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families during their hospital journey.

In this role, you’ll be at the centre of creating positive, meaningful experiences for children across the entire children’s hospital. Working closely with our multidisciplinary team, you’ll use specialised play techniques to support children through procedures, reduce anxiety, and help them feel safe, understood and empowered.

You’ll bring warmth, imagination and confidence to every interaction — whether you’re leading engaging distraction activities during treatments, transforming clinical spaces into welcoming child-friendly environments, or supporting families as they navigate challenging moments. Your ability to connect with children and young people of all ages will be key to helping them feel at ease and in control.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll also play an active role in mentoring and supporting colleagues, helping to shape a vibrant, collaborative and child-centred play service.

If you’re enthusiastic, flexible, and committed to delivering exceptional care through therapeutic play, we’d love to hear from you. This is your chance to bring joy, comfort and creativity to children when they need it most — and to be part of a team that truly makes a difference.

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism or Level 4 Diploma in Specialised Play for Children and Young People/ Edexcel Certificate in Hospital Play Specialism or HPSC/HPSEB
• Registration with HPSET
• Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development (up to date professional portfolio)
• Experience of working with children and young people in a Hospital/ clinical setting including supporting students and delivering therapeutic play interventions
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to support families experiencing stress, crisis, or emotional distress.
• Demonstrates a high standard of written and spoken English and a commitment to professional standards and child-centred care.
• Knowledge of therapeutic assessments and interventions, cultural considerations in play provision, and relevant medical and surgical terminology.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and deliver therapeutic interventions for individuals and groups of children and young people.
• Sound knowledge of child development, therapeutic play, current best practice, health legislation, the Children Act, and NAHPS professional guidelines.
• Understanding of the impact of hospitalisation, treatment, chronic illness, and life-limiting conditions on children, young people, and their families.
• Ability to recognise and manage stress in self and others and work effectively in emotionally challenging situations.
• Ability to move and handle patients and equipment safely.

Desirable

• Additional training relevant to role Membership of Professional Body (NAHPS or CLC)
• Experience of working with children and young people with long-term health conditions and their families.
• General knowledge of the principles and application of clinical governance
• Experience of working with children and young people with additional needs including those with challenging behaviours
• Ability to contribute to and implement teaching programmes for students and affiliated staff about the profession

Trust Values

Essential

• Patient First
• Working Together
• Always Improving

Closing Date: 9 October 2026