Health Play Specialist

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization is seeking a qualified Health Play Specialist to join the Royal London Hospital team. The role involves delivering compassionate care through specialized play input for young patients and their families. Candidates must hold relevant qualifications, including a Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism and current HPSET registration. A flexible full-time contract is offered, with a salary range of £37,259 to £45,356 per annum.

Qualifications

• Foundation Degree, Bachelor, or equivalent in Healthcare Play Specialism required.
• Current registration with HPSET is essential.
• Evidence of continued professional development is needed.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic play programmes.
• Promote emotional needs awareness within the multi-disciplinary team.

Skills

Therapeutic play assessment

Team collaboration

Cultural awareness

Cultural awareness

Education

Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism

Current registration with HPSET

Job description

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual. We are looking for a qualified and registered Health Play Specialist to join a brilliant and friendly team of Health Play Specialists and Play Workers at The Royal London Hospital. We work across both in and outpatients departments and provide support to children, young people and families accessing our service.

We are looking for a Play Specialist who is committed to the delivery of compassionate high-quality care and has the skills to implement specialised play input to support the young people and their families throughout their time in hospital.

We are looking for someone who is innovative and has an interest in project work and improving the service. We value team members who are resourceful, loyal, committed and can be an active part of our vision for continuing to drive play forward. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about teaching, sharing best practice and working within a dynamic multidisciplinary environment.

The Foundation Degree in 'Healthcare Play Specialism', Edex/BTEC in 'Specialised Play for the Sick Child' or the previous HPSC/HPSEB, or international equivalent, is a requirement for this post along with current registration with HPSET.

Responsibilities

• Use theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic play programmes within the ward/departments, contributing towards the holistic care of children.
• Promote an awareness of the emotional needs of children in hospital, and the importance of play within the multi-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Foundation Degree, Bachelor, or equivalent in Healthcare Play Specialism (Edex/BTEC in Specialised Play for the Sick Child, HPSC/HPSEB or international equivalent).
• Current registration with HPSET.
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Experience

• Experience during training or employment working with children within a hospital setting.
• 3–5 years' experience in child‑care settings.
• Experience/knowledge of different cultures and ethnic groups.
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge/experience relating to consent, confidentiality and child protection.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcomed and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Recruitment Details

Reference number: 259-7665625RLH

Band: 5

Salary: £37,259 to £45,356 a year per annum (inc)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Date posted: 05 December 2025

Employer Details

Barts Health NHS Trust
Royal London Hospital
London E1 1FR

Website: https://www.bartshealth.nhs.uk