Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. We are looking for a passionate, creative and highly motivated Hospital Play Specialist to join our dedicated team at UHS. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families during their hospital journey. In this role, you’ll be at the centre of creating positive, meaningful experiences for children across the entire children’s hospital. Working closely with our multidisciplinary team, you’ll use specialised play techniques to support children through procedures, reduce anxiety, and help them feel safe, understood and empowered.
You’ll bring warmth, imagination and confidence to every interaction—whether you’re leading engaging distraction activities during treatments, transforming clinical spaces into welcoming child‑friendly environments, or supporting families as they navigate challenging moments. Your ability to connect with children and young people of all ages will be key to helping them feel at ease and in control. As a valued member of our team, you’ll also play an active role in mentoring and supporting colleagues, helping to shape a vibrant, collaborative and child‑centred play service.
At UHS we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We are committed to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us.
Responsibilities
* Manage and maintain a child focused environment where play occurs naturally.
* Use theoretical knowledge and evidence based practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play interventions in hospital and in the community.
* Promote an awareness of the emotional needs of children in hospital and the importance of play within the multi‑disciplinary team.
* Plan and implement individual therapeutic play programmes, including preparation for invasive and non‑invasive procedures, distraction therapy and post procedural play.
Qualifications and Training
* Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism or Level 4 Diploma in Specialised Play for Children and Young People / Edexcel Certificate in Hospital Play Specialism or HPSC/HPSEB.
* Registration with HPSET (previously Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust) and membership with professional bodies such as SoHPS or NAHPS.
* Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development (up to date professional portfolio).
Experience & Skills
* Experience of working with children and young people and their families in a health care setting.
* Good organisational and time management skills, able to work on own initiative.
* Experience of working effectively in a team.
* Ability to communicate and work with parents and or families under stress and in crisis.
* Knowledge of current best practice and professional code of conduct.
* Basic knowledge of health legislation and NAHPS guidelines for professional practice.
* Ability to plan and coordinate therapeutic input.
* Theoretical knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development.
* Experience of supporting students.
* Ability to work with individuals and groups of children/young people.
* Knowledge of and ability to apply therapeutic interventions for children and young people experiencing difficulties with hospitalisation, treatment and chronic illness.
Desirable Criteria
* Additional training relevant to role.
* Membership of a professional body such as NAHPS or CLC.
* Experience of working with children and young people with long‑term health conditions and their families.
* Experience of working with children and young people with additional needs including those with challenging behaviours.
* Experience with family‑centred work.
Essential Trust Values
* Patients First
* Always Improving
* Working Together
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