Hospital Play Specialist
At a glance
- Band
- Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time, Part-time
- Posted
- 11/09/2026
- Closes
- 25/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
Candidates needing sponsorship are encouraged to apply.
HiveMind found a sponsorship-friendly statement in the source advert welcoming applicants who require a visa. Always confirm on the source before applying.
“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.”Quoted verbatim from the source advert
Role summary
This role involves creating positive and meaningful experiences for children and young people in a hospital setting. The specialist will use therapeutic play techniques to reduce anxiety, support children through procedures, and help them feel safe and empowered. They will lead distraction activities, transform clinical spaces, and support families, while also mentoring colleagues to shape a child-centred play service. The position requires an enthusiastic and flexible individual committed to delivering exceptional care through play.
Key responsibilities
- Manage and maintain a child-focused environment where play occurs naturally.
- Use theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play interventions in hospital and in the community.
- Promote an awareness of the emotional needs of children in hospital and the importance of play, within the multi-disciplinary team.
- Plan and implement individual therapeutic play programmes to include preparation for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy and post procedural play.
Essential criteria
- 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.
- Patient First
- Working Together
- Always Improving
Desirable criteria
- 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
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 4 at £26,530 – £29,114 a year, across England.
This advert: £28,392 – £31,157 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 14d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Hospital Play Specialist
The closing date is 25 September 2026
Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Hospital Play Specialist
Contract Type: Permanent
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
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