Health Play Specialist-Paediatrics
At a glance
- Band
- Band 5
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time, Part-time
- Posted
- 26/08/2026
- Closes
- 09/09/2026
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 providing a high-quality, holistic play service for children, young people, and their families within the Children's inpatient ward and outpatient area. The specialist will use play as a tool to communicate, build rapport, and create a positive environment for patients. Responsibilities include planning, initiating, and supervising play activities appropriate to the child's age, development, medical condition, and background. The aim is to assist in providing an atraumatic experience and aid distraction for children in hospital.
Essential criteria
- B.T.E.C. Hospital Play Specialist Diploma or equivalent.
Desirable criteria
- Additional training relevant to role
- Membership of Professional Body (NAPHPS or CLC)
- Child Protection training
- Other relevant child care training
- Special Circumstances
- Able to work shift patterns which support the provision of a full play service
- Minimum of two years recent and relevant experience working with children or young people.
- Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
- Sound knowledge of health & safety issues in relation to maintaining a safe environment for children.
- Sound knowledge of play and distraction techniques appropriate to children in hospital
- Sound knowledge of children's development and needs
- Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with all members of multi-disciplinary team and children of all ages and their families in English.
- Ability to function effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with all members of multi-disciplinary team and children of all ages and their families in English.
- Ability to function effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to write legible, accurate and concise reports in English.
- Ability to supervise students.
- Organised, punctual, self- motivated and positive approach to work.
- Ability to teach others
- Sound knowledge of child protection responsibilities and procedures.
- Education, Qualifications & Training
- B.T.E.C. Hospital Play Specialist Diploma or equivalent.
- Additional training relevant to role
- Membership of Professional Body (NAPHPS or CLC)
- Child Protection training
- Other relevant child care training
- Special Circumstances
- Able to work shift patterns which support the provision of a full play service
- Minimum of two years recent and relevant experience working with children or young people.
- Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
- Sound knowledge of health & safety issues in relation to maintaining a safe environment for children.
- Sound knowledge of play and distraction techniques appropriate to children in hospital
- Sound knowledge of children's development and needs
- Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with all members of multi-disciplinary team and children of all ages and their families in English.
- Ability to function effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with all members of multi-disciplinary team and children of all ages and their families in English.
- Ability to function effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to write legible, accurate and concise reports in English.
- Ability to supervise students.
- Organised, punctual, self- motivated and positive approach to work.
- Ability to teach others
- Sound knowledge of child protection responsibilities and procedures.
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 5 at £29,970 – £36,483 a year, across England.
This advert: £32,073 – £39,043 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 12d ago · Closes in 3d
Applications close soon — apply now if this is a fit.
Full advert · preview
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Health Play Specialist-Paediatrics
The closing date is 09 September 2026
Job summary
As the play specialist, you will help to provide high quality, holistic play service for all children, young people and their families within the Children's inpatient ward and outpatient area, enabling them to feel safe and at ease within the hospital environment. Use play as a tool to communicate and build a rapport with children and young people whilst attending hospital which in turn will create a positive environment and patient journey. You will provide interesting and stimulating play for children, young people and their families and highlight the importance of play in assistingan atraumatic experience and aiding distraction to all health professionals and students. You will use your knowledge of child development; plan,initiateand supervise play activities for children in hospital,appropriate totheir age, development, medicalconditionand background,in order tomeet their social,emotionaland developmental play needs.
Main duties of the job
If you are interested in striving to deliver excellence in paediatric care and working in a friendly and welcoming teamplease do contact us. We welcome a fun, enthusiastic & dedicated Healthcare Play Specialisttojoin our team.
- To manage andbe responsible forthe assessment, implementation and the
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