Play Specialist

Frimley Health Nhs Foundation Trust; Burgh Heath; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Play Specialist to support children in hospital. The role is 30 hours per week on a permanent contract, focusing on reducing anxiety, comforting during procedures, promoting development, and involving families in care.

Essential qualifications include a Level Four Diploma in specialized play for sick children and young people, GCSEs in Maths and English, and NHS registration where applicable. Previous hospital play experience is desirable.

Qualifications

• Level Four Diploma in specialized play for sick children and Young people or equivalent.
• Edexcel Cert in hospital play specialism or HPSEB/Foundation degree in healthcare play.
• GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English.

Responsibilities

• Reducing anxiety and stress through play to comfort children.
• Distraction and comfort during medical procedures using play.
• Promoting development with age-appropriate activities in hospital.
• Education and preparation using dolls, toys or drawings.
• Emotional expression through therapeutic play.
• Family support with guidance for parents and caregivers.

Skills

Communication with children

Empathy

Therapeutic play

Education

Level Four Diploma in specialized play for sick children and Young people

Edexcel certificate in hospital play specialism

Foundation degree in healthcare play

GCSEs in Maths and English

Job description

Job summary

Make a Difference Through the Power of Play! Band 4 Play Specialist

30 hours per week | Permanent Contract

Are you passionate about helping children feel safe, supported and confident during their time in hospital? Do you believe in the power of play to comfort, reassure and help children thrive, even in challenging circumstances?

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Play Specialist to join our team and make a meaningful difference to the experiences of children and their families throughout their hospital journey.

Previous applicants need not to apply.

Main duties of the job

• Reducing Anxiety and Stress: Through play, they help children express their feelings, understand their experiences, and alleviate fear or anxiety related to medical treatments or hospitalisation
• Distraction and Comfort: During medical procedures, they engage children in play or activities that distract them from pain or discomfort, making the experience less frightening.
• Promoting Development: Play specialists provide age-appropriate activities to encourage cognitive, emotional, and physical development, even in hospital environments.
• Education and Preparation: They prepare children for medical treatments by using dolls, toys, or drawings to explain what's going to happen in a way the child can understand. This helps demystify the process and reduces fear.
• Emotional Expression: Play is a natural way for children to express their emotions. Play specialists use therapeutic play to allow children to process and express feelings like fear, anger, or confusion.
• Family Support: They also offer guidance and support to parents and caregivers, helping them understand their child's emotional needs and providing strategies to support their child during stressful times.

About us

Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract.

Why Join Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust?

At Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

As a Disability Confident Employer and recipient of the Gold Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers within the NHS.

We also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance. By supporting flexible working arrangements wherever possible, we enable our colleagues to balance their professional and personal commitments while continuing to deliver outstanding care to our patients. Whether flexibility means adjusted hours, part‑time working, hybrid arrangements or alternative working patterns, we work in partnership with our staff to meet both individual and service needs.

Join Us Whether you're at the start of your career or looking for your next challenge, Frimley Health offers the opportunity to be part of a inclusive, forward-thinking organisation that is committed to excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare and make a real difference to the lives of the communities we serve.

Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo

Job responsibilities

For further information regarding the detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents.

Qualifications

Essential

• Level Four Diploma in specialized play for sick children and Young peoplee/EDEXCEL Cert in hospital play specialism/HPSC/HPSEB Or Foundation degree in health care play specialism.
• GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English.

Experience

Essential

• Experience supporting children, in stressful situations in any setting.
• Experience working in Play Worker/Specialist role.

Desirable

• Has previous experience as a play specialist in Hospital/Hospice setting.
• Familiar with EPIC system.

Skills

Essential

• Good communication with children/families
• Empathetic to the effects of hospitalisation on the family unit.
• Full understanding of therapeutic play with the ability to use play specialist techniques to enhance the care of children.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name: Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Frimley Park Hospital, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, GU17 7UJ, United Kingdom

Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details: For questions about the job, contact: Ward Manager F1, Kate Hoult, [e-mail], 03006133494

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.