Hospital Play Assistant
The closing date is 16 June 2026.
An exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and adaptable Health Play Assistant to join our existing and expanding hospital play specialist service at Grimsby.
Main duties of the job
* Provide a welcoming environment for children and young people up to 16 years and promote a positive experience for all play opportunities.
* Design and deliver play activities tailored to individual health‑care needs, recognizing and overcoming barriers to understanding.
* Encourage children to express themselves, explore feelings, and overcome fears such as needle phobia.
* Prepare children for procedures and use distraction therapy to ease anxiety.
* Offer emotional support to children, parents/main carers and extended family members.
* Assist in assessing a child's development using recommended tools when required.
* Provide a mechanism for children/families to give feedback on their hospital experience and help improve services.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
* Level 3 or above studies in child care, youth or community work.
* GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths.
* Foundation degree in healthcare play specialism.
Occupational experience and abilities
* Demonstrable experience working with children and/or young people.
* Knowledge of child development across physical, communication, cognitive, emotional, social and creative domains.
* Experience supporting children with special needs, including challenging behaviours.
* Experience working with children/young people in a hospital setting.
* Skill in supporting young people to transition into adult health‑care services.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
#J-18808-Ljbffr