Play Leader

NHS; Middlesbrough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's hospice in Middlesbrough is seeking a Play Leader to develop play plans for children with complex medical needs. The ideal candidate will work closely with families, promote emotional well-being through play, and support children and their families during difficult times. The position offers a salary between £25,000 to £29,000 and is a full-time permanent role.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children who have complex needs.
• Play therapy experience in a school, hospital, or hospice.
• Basic IT skills are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop age-appropriate play plans for children.
• Establish effective communication with families.
• Create developmental and play assessments for children.
• Provide psycho-social and emotional support.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Enthusiastic and motivated

Flexibility

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Autonomous work

Planning and evaluation

Education

NNEB or equivalent qualification

NVQ level 3 in health and social care/childhood studies

Job description

Job Summary

Play leaders are key members of the Zoes Place team, working with nurses, Health Care Assistants, fundraising staff, play specialists and outside agencies. The play leader will develop age- appropriate play plans for children with complex medical needs, contributing towards the holistic care of the children we support. Within the care team, the postholder will promote an awareness of the emotional needs of children and the importance of play, working in partnership with parents, siblings, carers and care staff and encouraging positive play experiences. The postholder will ensure that all care and interactions are of the highest standards.

Main duties of the job

Establish and maintain effective communication with children, families and professionals across health and social care services.

Ensure that all children receive the appropriate play and stimulation related to their emotional / developmental needs. Organise and facilitate said play with support.

Devise individualised play plans for children and inject creativity into the hospice and memory making.

Create individual developmental and play assessments for every child.

Ensure that individual children's care plans are followed to the highest standards.

Provide psycho-social, emotional and physical care and support to children and families.

Create a warm, welcoming, caring and safe environment, which is child-friendly.

Through the provision of play provide support for the families and siblings that are under stress and in crisis, demonstrating commitment to family-centred care.

Inform, educate, support and advise families about the role of play.

Normalise the hospice environment to replicate activities which can be done in other settings.

Advocate for the child and family, recognising challenges and supporting decisions and choices.

To manage and lead on events for the children and the wider family. This includes animal therapy sessions and organising summer parties etc.

Arrange trips and activities for children in line with Zoe's Place Patient outings and transport policy and Sibling outings and activities policy.

The Post holder is to have good computer and IT skills.

About Us

Zoes Place Baby Hospice supports babies and young children who have complex illnesses or disabilities from birth to age Seven.

We work to ensure that children with life limiting and life threatening conditions can enjoy the best possible quality of life and we support their families throughout their journey.

Zoe's Place offer respite, palliative and end of life care for children, as well as support for the whole family. With a range of play therapies and fun activities, our team of specialists work together to make every moment of childhood count.

Details

Date posted

13 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience £25,000 to £29,000

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

B0035-25-0003

Job locations

Zoe's Place Baby Hospice

High Street

Normanby

Middlesbrough

Cleveland

TS6 9DA

Job Description

Job responsibilities

Play leaders are key members of the Zoes Place team, working with nurses, Health Care Assistants, fundraising staff, play specialists and outside agencies. The play leader will develop age- appropriate play plans for children with complex care needs, contributing towards the holistic care of the children we support. Within the care team, the postholder will promote an awareness of the emotional needs of children and the importance of play, working in partnership with parents, siblings, carers and care staff and encouraging positive play experiences. The postholder will ensure that all care and interactions are of the highest standards.

Job Description

Job responsibilities

Play leaders are key members of the Zoes Place team, working with nurses, Health Care Assistants, fundraising staff, play specialists and outside agencies. The play leader will develop age- appropriate play plans for children with complex care needs, contributing towards the holistic care of the children we support. Within the care team, the postholder will promote an awareness of the emotional needs of children and the importance of play, working in partnership with parents, siblings, carers and care staff and encouraging positive play experiences. The postholder will ensure that all care and interactions are of the highest standards.

Person Specification

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• Excellent communication skills with adults and children with complex care needs
• Enthusiastic and motivated with a good conscientious attitude.
• Flexibility to meet service demand.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work within a team setting.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Able to plan implement and evaluate play programmes.
  
  

Desirable

• Basic IT skills
• Excellent use of the English language demonstrated through effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills
  
  

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with children who have complex needs.
• Play therapy within a school, hospital or hospice environment
  
  

Desirable

• Experience of bereavement support within in a healthcare setting.
  
  

Qualifications

Essential

• NNEB or equivalent qualification
• NVQ level 3 in health and social care/childhood studies or equivalent
  
  

Desirable

• any relevant qualifications/courses relevant to this role.
  
  

Person Specification

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• NNEB or equivalent qualification
• NVQ level 3 in health and social care/childhood studies or equivalent
  
  

Desirable

• any relevant qualifications/courses relevant to this role.
  
  

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Zoes Place Baby Hospice

Address

Zoe's Place Baby Hospice

High Street

Normanby

Middlesbrough

Cleveland

TS6 9DA

Employer's website

https://www.zoes-place.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Zoes Place Baby Hospice

Address

Zoe's Place Baby Hospice

High Street

Normanby

Middlesbrough

Cleveland

TS6 9DA

Employer's website

https://www.zoes-place.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

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