Health Play Specialist
Closing date: 14 June 2026
We are looking for two passionate Health Play Specialists to join our Paediatric Oncology/haematology Outpatient Unit. You will join a well-established, valued Play team who are proactive and determined in providing positive hospital experiences and quality intervention for children and families.
A strong candidate will have excellent knowledge and skills of therapeutic and normalising play and a great understanding of the impact of hospitalisation on the child and their families. You will have excellent communication skills and can work autonomously and with members of the multidisciplinary team.
If you are enthusiastic and committed to providing exceptional care through normalising and therapeutic play then we would like to hear from you.
You’ll hold an FdA in Healthcare Play Specialism or equivalent. A valid registration with the Society of Health Play Specialists is needed. Return to practice or year 2 of Health Play Specialism Fda/Apprenticeship applications are welcome.
Main duties of the job
The unit cares for children (0‑16 yrs) with haematological or oncological diagnoses, including general anaesthetic procedures as well as awake scans, consultations, tests and infusions including chemotherapy.
You will be motivated to create positive experiences for patients in hospital. You’ll have referrals and use evidence‑based practice to assess, plan and implement therapeutic interventions to reduce anxiety, supporting children and their families in hospital.
You’ll encourage normal development and rehabilitation through your ability to connect with patients, providing appropriate play opportunities. You’ll work closely with other Play Specialists on the unit, recognising the emotional needs of children in hospital.
The role includes supervising and mentoring students and working collaboratively with the wider play team to develop projects to enhance the service. You’ll be a motivated, creative thinker who wants to build on your skills and able to prioritise your workload.
EEO Statement
We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Benefits to you
* Development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on‑site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries.
* Reduced‑cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site; Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals.
* Subsidised cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
* On‑campus hot food available 24/7 at a reduced cost for colleagues.
* Support for good work‑life balance through flexible arrangements such as part‑time working, job‑share, term‑time working and flexible start and finish times.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism/Edexel Level 4 Professional Diploma in Specialist Play for Sick Children and Young People
* Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
* Children’s Workforce, Cache, NNEB, BTEC, NVQ or level 3 qualification in Early years / Childcare equivalent
* Current registration with SoHPS, or have discussed a plan or re‑registration with SoHPS for return to practice
* Youth work or qualification
* Counselling Diploma or equivalent
Experience
* Evidence of experience of working with parents and extended families
* Evidence of experience of working with children/young people in a hospital setting
* Experience of working with children with special educational needs and/or mental health concerns
* Evidence of working in an acute care hospital setting with children and young people
* Evidence of integrated working with a multi‑professional team
* Experience of supporting students in previous positions
* NHS experience
Knowledge
* Knowledge of the value of play for sick children and the effects of hospitalisation on children, young people and their families
* Demonstrated understanding of developmental, social and psychological needs of children/young people and their families incorporating special needs, cultures and diversities
* Knowledge of SoHPS professional code of conduct and standards and application to practice
* Knowledge of Health and Safety, and risk management in practice including safeguarding procedures
* Basic knowledge of the principles of clinical governance
Skills
* Ability to work with individuals and groups of babies/children/young people
* Ability to deliver therapeutic play including play preparation, distraction and post‑procedural play for medical procedures using evidence‑based techniques
* Effective verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance
* Ability to manage and prioritise own workload and work as part of a wider team
* Training and presentation skills
* Word processing and internet research skills
Additional Requirements
* Commitment to patient/family‑centred, non‑discriminatory practice
* Be able to sensitively deal with frequent challenges associated with social differences, parental and family anxiety and cultural diversity
* Documented evidence of continued professional development
* The ability to understand and behave at all times towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent
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.
£32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum pro rata
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