Play Specialist

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Waitematā invites applications for a Hospital Play Specialist based in Auckland. You will work with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to support psychosocial well-being during medical experiences, using therapeutic play and coping strategies to ease anxiety.

Join Rangatira Ward, a paediatric general medical ward for ages 0–15. A recognised early childhood or primary teaching qualification is required, with at least three years’ experience, or commitment to Hospital

Qualifications

• Recognised early childhood or primary teaching qualification.
• Minimum of three years’ experience as a Hospital Play Specialist or commitment to Hospital Play Specialist Association registration.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to support psychosocial needs during medical experiences.
• Use therapeutic play, preparation and coping strategies to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to promote family‑centred care and well‑being.

Education

Early childhood or primary teaching qualification

3+ years Hospital Play Specialist experience OR commitment to registration

Job description

Permanent, full-time position (1.0FTE)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role:

As a Hospital Play Specialist, you will be working directly with tamariki, rāngatahi and whānau to support their psychosocial needs and well-being during their medical experiences within a healthcare setting. Using therapeutic play, preparation and coping strategies, your work will provide support for reducing stressors and anxiety often associated with hospitalisation and medical interventions.

About the Team/Service:

Rangatira Ward is an acute general medical paediatric ward caring for children aged 0 - 15 years with a range of short and long-term illnesses and disabilities. We are a close-knit team, committed to providing quality whānau centred care. We work closely with the Childrens Community Nurse Specialist team, Paediatric Outpatient services,Primary and Public health providers and Emergency Care Centres.

Health New Zealand Waitematā provides health services to approximately 650,000 residents of the North Shore, Waitakere, and Rodney areas. It has the largest population of any district health area.

For more information on living and working in the Waitematā District, click here

About you:

As a Hospital Play Specialist, you will bring creativity, flexibility, and compassion. You will require excellent communication skills to build positive rapport with those you are working with. While working closely with the multidisciplinary team, your skills, knowledge and understanding of child development will assist in better health outcomes for those accessing our services.

You will also need the following:

• A recognised early childhood or primary teaching qualification, A minimum of 3 years experience as a Hospital Play Specialist Hospital, Play Specialist Association Registration or be committed to working towards this

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Job details

Job Reference:

Job Reference: WDHB22023

Location:

North Island - Auckland - North Shore/West Auckland

Job type:

Job type: Permanent Full time

Expertise:

Clinical - Allied Health - Play Specialist