About this role
Job summary Transform Hospital Stays for Children - Join Our Dedicated Play Team!
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children during their hospital journey? Do you have the skills and enthusiasm to create a positive, playful environment that supports emotional and physical recovery? If so, we want you to join our expandingPlay Team at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust!
About Us Our Play Service is integral to the holistic care we provide for children and young people aged 0-17 years across two sites. We strive to create an environment where play is not just an activity but a vital component of healthcare, supporting developmental, therapeutic and recovery needs.
With recent developments in our Trust, we are placing an even stronger emphasis on play as an essential part of a child's care journey.
Why Join Us? Be part of a passionate team that puts children's well-being at the heart of everything we do. Work in an environment where your skills are valued and your contributions make a real impact. Help shape the future of play as an essential part of care within our Trust. Apply Now! If you're ready to bring your skills and passion for play to our team, we'd love to hear from you. Make a difference in a child's hospital journey--apply today!
Together, we can transform care through play.
Main duties of the job The Opportunity
We are looking for enthusiastic and registered Healthcare Play Specialists to join our team. You'll play a pivotal role in using evidence-based practice to assess, plan, and deliver therapeutic play interventions tailored to individual needs.
What We're Looking For
A Healthcare Play Specialism qualification (Foundation Degree or equivalent). Registration as a Healthcare Play Specialist. Proven experience working with children in a healthcare setting. Strong communication, time management, and leadership skills. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team across sites What You'll Bring Your creativity, compassion, and expertise will help bridge the gap between hospital and home, creating a positive and memorable experience for children and their families.
As a qualified and registered Play Specialist, you will:
Work collaboratively within the Play Team and the wider multidisciplinary team. Use therapeutic and developmental play techniques to meet the emotional, physical, and social needs of children and young people. Support families in engaging with their child's play and recovery journey. Facilitate distraction and preparation techniques for invasive or painful procedures. Develop individual play programs for long-term or specific needs patients. Act as an advocate for the importance of play within the hospital setting, showcasing its value to the wider healthcare team.
About us
We are committed to supporting colleagues through organisational change. Priority will be given to staff at risk within North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care Board.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, and expectations.
Person Specification
Education/Knowledge and Qualifications Essential
Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism, Edexcel /BTEC in specialised play for sick child or the previous HPSC/HPSEB or international equivalent Knowledge of recent, relevant health policy & guidance and NAHPS Guidelines for Professional Practice Knowledge of professional and ethical issues including professional boundaries, clinical governance and safeguarding children policies and practice Knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development
Experience Essential
Experience of working with children and/or young people and their families in a health care setting Experience of effective working as a team member within an MDT Experience of working with children and/or young people with special needs including those with neurodiversity or challenging behaviours Experience leading play/recreation activities for babies, children and/or young people
Skills and Abilities Essential
Up to date registration with HPSET
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
Address Peterborough City Hospital
Bretton Gate
Peterborough
PE3 9GZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)