The post holder will be one of a team of play specialists.
You will work to ensure high quality play provision for patients and siblings. Prepare the child and family for treatments and procedures.
Facilitate emotional support and help to establish coping strategies.
The post will be predominantly in the children’s unit, but also you may be required in other areas of the hospital where children are cared for.
Main duties of the job
A Play Specialist’s main duties include providing therapeutic and developmental play to help children cope with illness and hospitalisation, preparing them for medical procedures through age-appropriate explanations and play techniques, and supporting their emotional well-being by reducing anxiety and distress. They also work to maintain cognitive, social, and physical development during hospital stays, collaborate with families and healthcare teams to improve communication and involvement, and advocate for the child’s needs to ensure a positive, child-centered care experience.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Professional Childcare Qualification level 3 or equivalent with a commitment to train as HPSET Play Specialist
Desirable
- HPSET Qualified Hospital Play Specialist or 2nd year Trainee Hospital Play Specialist
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of personal or professional development
- Understanding of family centred care and able to deliver play in a holistic child/family focused manner
- Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality
- Understands the importance of child protection and safeguarding children
Desirable
- Experienced at working in a hospital setting with children and families
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: 19 February 2026
