At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver creative play sessions for children with complex needs.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at City Health Care Partnership CIC.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive perks, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse roles available; your voice matters here!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through therapeutic play.
- Qualifications: Level 4 qualification in Play or related field; experience with children preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a great opportunity to build your skills in therapeutic play while supporting children and young people with complex medical needs to enjoy positive, meaningful short break experiences. You will be part of a supportive team that places each child at the centre of everything we do. Working closely with colleagues, families and professionals, you will help create safe, engaging and inclusive play opportunities that promote confidence, wellbeing and emotional connection. Your work will help children express themselves, have fun and feel valued during their time with us.
What you’ll do:
- Plan and deliver creative, child-centred play sessions tailored to individual needs
- Use therapeutic play to support communication, emotional wellbeing and confidence
- Observe children’s responses and adapt activities to ensure safety, comfort and inclusion
- Work independently within care plans, escalating concerns when needed
- Contribute to service development and support colleagues through reflective practice
Main duties of the job
What we’re looking for:
- A Level 4 qualification in Play, Child Development, Health or Social Care (or equivalent experience)
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally those with complex needs
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work calmly and compassionately
- Creativity, resilience and a commitment to inclusive, child-centred practice
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and value people who share our commitment to fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement.
About us
At CHCP, we’re passionate about people, we recognise that high quality care is delivered by high quality professionals who are appreciated, respected, and supported, which is why we want to give all our colleagues the chance to shine. Work with us and you’ll be more than just a number. Our people are our shareholders, and their thoughts and opinions are always heard; at CHCP you have a real voice. Compassion is at the heart of our business; our colleagues work together to deliver first class healthcare to thousands of people. Local diversity demands diverse roles, that’s why we have vacancies to suit everybody. No matter your role at CHCP, we’ll support you to thrive. CHCP CIC employees have access to an excellent range of benefits.
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 4 qualification in Play, Child Development, Health or Social Care (or equivalent experience in a specialist play setting)
- Evidence of ongoing development.
- Evidence of relevant short course training, such as therapeutic play, sensory play or sensory integration awareness, communication methods (e.g. Makaton, PECS, Intensive Interaction), autism awareness, epilepsy awareness, trauma informed practice, or introductory supervision or leadership skills.
Desirable
- Foundation Degree or Degree in Play Specialism, Child Development, or related subject.
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and experience in working in a facility/setting/service for children and young people
- Knowledge and experience of healthcare services.
- Uses knowledge and experience to deliver packages of care to support development in children and young people
- Understanding of child development and the therapeutic value of play.
- Knowledge of supporting children with complex needs and disabilities.
- A working understanding of relevant regulations and policies such as the Children and Families Act, the Care Act, Health and Social Care legislation, Safeguarding and Person-Centred Care Planning guidance.
Desirable
- Knowledge of restorative practice.
- Familiarity with relevant legislation and best practice in short breaks services.
- Presentation and teaching skills
- Knowledge of the Ofsted Children’s Homes Regulations and Social Care Common Inspection Framework
- Knowledge of the OFSTED Quality Standards
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with Children and young people with complex needs/disabilities
- Experience of delivering, monitoring, and planning activities
- IT skills
Desirable
- Assessing needs and planning outcomes
- Experience in a short breaks or respite setting.
- Experience of working with families and multiagency teams
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Play Specialist employer: City Health Care Partnership CIC
At CHCP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our staff in creating meaningful experiences for children and young people with complex medical needs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has a voice and opportunities for professional growth. With access to a comprehensive range of benefits and a commitment to inclusivity, working at our Hull location means being part of a compassionate community dedicated to making a positive impact.
Contact Details:
City Health Care Partnership CIC Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out CHCP's website and social media. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Play Specialist, especially your skills in therapeutic play and working with children with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your creativity to the table! Think of unique ideas for play sessions that could benefit the children. Sharing these during your interview can really set you apart and demonstrate your commitment to child-centred practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the team at CHCP.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Play:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for therapeutic play shine through! Share specific experiences where you've supported children, especially those with complex needs, to highlight your commitment to creating engaging and inclusive play opportunities.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Use keywords from the listing, like 'child-centred practice' and 'emotional wellbeing', to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for and how you fit the bill.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your Level 4 qualification or any equivalent experience in your application. If you've taken any relevant short courses, like therapeutic play or autism awareness, be sure to include those too—they're a big plus!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Share your personal story and why you want to work with us at CHCP, but also ensure your application is well-structured and free of typos. We want to see the real you, so let your personality come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at City Health Care Partnership CIC
✨Know Your Play Techniques
Make sure you brush up on various therapeutic play techniques and how they can support children's emotional wellbeing. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used these methods in the past, especially with children who have complex needs.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key for this role, prepare to demonstrate your ability to connect with children, families, and colleagues. Think of scenarios where you've effectively communicated in challenging situations and be ready to share those stories.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
This role is all about creating inclusive play opportunities. Be prepared to talk about how you adapt activities to meet individual needs and ensure every child feels valued and included. Highlight any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to inclusivity.
✨Reflect on Your Experiences
Reflective practice is important in this role. Think about times when you've learned from your experiences, whether through successes or challenges. Be ready to discuss how you've used feedback to improve your practice and support your colleagues.
