Paediatric ED Play Specialist

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a Health Play Specialist to support the Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service within Paeds ED at Wythenshawe Hospital. This post is a secondment opportunity.

The successful candidate will work within a multi-disciplinary team, hold the required Foundation Degree or Level 4, and maintain registration with the Health Play Specialist Education Trust, to help improve the patient journey and experience.

Qualifications

• Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism or Level 4 qualification.
• Up-to-date registration with the Health Play Specialist Education Trust.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic play to patients within wards or department areas and take referrals from professionals.
• Complete thorough electronic documentation in patient notes and attend relevant meetings.
• Work within a multi-disciplinary team including medical and clinical staff to support patient experience agendas.

Skills

Teamwork

Proactivity

Flexibility

Communication

Education

Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism

Level 4 qualification

Job description

A fantastic secondment opportunity has arisen for a Health Play Specialist to work within the Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service at Paeds ED at Wythenshawe Hospital

The applicant must hold the Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism or the previous Level 4 qualification. Alongside this they will be required to hold an up to date registration with the Health Play Specialist Education Trust.

The post holder will play a valuable role in the care of patients within the hospital, improving the patient journey and experience. They should be proactive, flexible and motivated, being able to work both individually and as part of a team.

The Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service is a well established team, working throughout the trust.

We strive for high standards of care and work together to ensure our babies, children and young people have positive experiences whilst in hospital. We encourage personal development with yearly objectives, working task groups and relevant learning opportunities.

Working within our team allows for a valuable support network, scope to work in various hospitals and services throughout the trust and opportunities for sharing best practice.

Techniques such as procedural preparation, distraction/diversional therapy and developmental play will be an integral part of the role. The Health Play Specialist will work with patients within the ward or department area, as well as taking patient referrals from a variety of professionals.

They will be working within a multi-disciplinary team including the medical and clinical staff, Allied Health Professionals, the Youth Service, Specialist Nurses and the Focus Support Team.

The post holder will be expected to complete thorough electronic documentation in patient notes, and attend any relevant meetings.

The Health Play Specialist will be part of organising and taking part in patient experience agendas including events and Public Health initiatives.

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.

Whether you’re beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.

At MFT, you’ll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.

Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’ll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Rhea Taylor Job title: Unit Manager Email address: [e-mail] Telephone number: 0161 2916065