Play Assistant

Play is not just about participation and fun - it’s about creating moments where every child, regardless of ability or health, feels seen, valued, and free to be themselves. At CHAS, we make every moment count.

Purpose of the Role

As a Play Assistant based at Rachel House, you’ll deliver high-quality, inclusive play opportunities for children with life-limiting conditions and their siblings, in a safe and engaging environment. From sensory play and creative arts to using assistive technology and memory-making activities, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting children to express themselves, connect with others, experience moments of joy and create valuable memories. You will work closely with nursing colleagues, volunteers and families to integrate play into every aspect of a child’s care, ensuring that the UNCRC Rights of the Child is enshrined in all that we do.

About You

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

• A recognised qualification in Early Years, childcare or a related field, with experience of working with children with complex or additional needs
• Confidence in delivering a range of play techniques including sensory play, assistive technology, creative arts and crafts
• Understanding of inclusive play and how to adapt activities for children with varying abilities
• An understanding of palliative care for children
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of the UNCRC (Article 31) and embedding this in practice
• Experience working with volunteers and supporting their development
• Awareness of trauma-informed practice
• Awareness of Makaton and communication aids

About CHAS and Rachel House

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) is here to ensure that no family faces the death of their child alone. Rachel House, located in Kinross, was Scotland’s first children’s hospice and remains a warm, welcoming place where families can find comfort, support and joy. As a Play Assistant at Rachel House, you’ll be part of a team that brings fun and laughter into the lives of families during incredibly difficult times.

Some of the benefits you can expect to receive from working with CHAS:

• Flexible Working: our play team self roster over 7 days, working a range of shift patterns to cover the service. CHAS offers flexible and family friendly working, and are happy to discuss working arrangements that will work for you and the service.
• Development Opportunities: exposure to a range of opportunities to engage in continuous structured internal and external learning to enhance your development.
• Professional Growth: Work within a high-performing team where you will be encouraged and supported to excel and develop your skills.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including generous annual leave policy (35 days inclusive of public holidays, rising to 40 days after 5 years service (pro rata) and pension, incremental salary progression, access to Blue Light discounts, and health and wellbeing support.

Further Information and How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we would love you to apply! Follow the link to find more information including:

• Full job description
• Full list of benefits
• Contact details to arrange an informal chat with the hiring manager.
• Contact details for support with the recruitment process.

To apply you will be asked to answer a couple of questions and submit your CV or complete our full application form.

Part Time 27 hours per week. This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG).

Provisional interview date of 11 December 2025.