The appointed candidate will plan a range of activities for a variety of children and young people within the hospital setting, taking into account their abilities and the impact of current health. The appointee will provide therapeutic and socialised play for all ages in an effort to fulfil emotional, developmental and social and needs to help alleviate anxiety within families.
Within the scope of the role, the post holder will work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to:
Provide specialist play and distraction techniques to prepare and support children and young people undergoing clinical procedures/interventions whilst on the paediatric unit and in other areas of the hospital where children are cared for.
Co-ordinate and organise play activities for children of all age
Ensure the provision of play is accessible to every child requiring health care at IOW NHS Trust.
Communicate effectively with children and their families.
Be aware of Child Protection and respond to these within Trust Policy.
Maintain clear, accurate and concise patient records maintaining high levels of confidentiality at all times.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Foundation Degree Healthcare Play Specialism qualification and registration as Play Specialist with Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust
- Recent experience working directly with children and young people as a healthcare play specialist
- Knowledge and understanding of child development
- Knowledge of the NAHPS professional code of conduct and its application in practice
Desirable
- A full understanding of and ability to apply play preparation, distraction therapy and post procedural play skills
- Confidence and competence in using appropriate IT systems
- Experience of working with children with special needs including those with challenging behaviours
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: 08 August 2025
