Hospital Play Assistant
The closing date is 28 January 2026
Are you looking to join the Paediatric Team within the Emergency Department at Darlington Memorial Hospital?
A Play Assistant in a Paediatric Emergency Department helps reduce anxiety and fear in children by providing emotional support and engaging activities during their hospital visit. They use therapeutic play to explain medical procedures in a child‑friendly way, offer distraction during treatments, and create a comforting environment that promotes normalcy.
By collaborating with healthcare professionals, Play Assistants ensure that the emotional and psychological needs of young patients are met, enhancing their overall care experience in the emergency setting.
Main duties of the job
The Play Assistant will provide developmental, therapeutic and specialised play techniques for all ages and diversities to fulfil emotional, social and developmental needs and help alleviate emotional trauma within families.
They will help bridge the gap between hospital and home, creating a positive patient journey.
Job responsibilities
Providing distraction and comfort – Play Assistants use games, art, storytelling and other activities to distract children during medical procedures and waiting times, minimising distress.
Supporting therapeutic play – They engage children in activities that help them understand and cope with illness, injury or upcoming procedures in an age‑appropriate way.
Emotional support – They offer support to both children and families, acting as a comforting presence during stressful times.
Promoting normalcy – Through play they help maintain a sense of normalcy for the child, essential for emotional well‑being in an overwhelming environment.
Assisting healthcare professionals – They work closely with doctors, nurses and other staff, sharing insights into a childs emotional state and needs, and help prepare children for procedures using play.
Creating a child‑friendly environment – They design and maintain welcoming spaces with age‑appropriate toys, books and activities, ensuring the paediatric emergency department feels less clinical and more engaging.
Person Specification
Special Requirements
* Rotational shift patterns
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Understanding of developmental, social and psychological needs of children, young people and their families.
* Knowledge of developmental needs from birth to 18 years, incorporating all special needs, cultures and diversities.
* Understanding of health & safety issues and confidentiality/data protection.
* Leadership skills – leading play service and projects.
* Ability to empower other health care professionals in providing specialised play materials and interactions.
* Communication skills.
* Able to work independently using own initiative and within a team.
* Document and report writing skills.
* Enthusiastic and forward‑thinking.
* Willingness to learn and develop self and practice.
* Ability to work with families under stress.
* Awareness of relevant legislation such as the Children’s Act 1989, Human Rights Act, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, etc.
* Clinical skills in developmental, therapeutic and specialised play.
* Presentation/teaching skills.
* Consultation skills with children/teenagers and families to obtain user views and participation.
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 in Childcare or equivalent (e.g. NNEB BTEC Nursery Nurse qualification)
* Play work special needs qualification
* Level 2 safeguarding qualification
Experience
* Previous childcare experience – e.g., working in a nursery or school.
* Experience of working in a hospital environment.
* Experience working with children/young people in intensive settings, community work, home or school visits.
* Experience working with children/young people in groups or individually and with different cultures.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
£24,937 to £26,598 a year – AFC Band 3 per annum pro rata
J-18808-Ljbffr