Healthcare Play Specialist - Peterborough

Healthcare Play Specialist – PeterboroughTransform Hospital Stays for Children – Join Our Dedicated Play Team!Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children during their hospital journey? Do you have the skills and enthusiasm to create a positive, playful environment that supports emotional and physical recovery? If so, we want you to join our expandingPlay Team at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust!Job summaryTransform Hospital Stays for Children – Join Our Dedicated Play Team!Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children during their hospital journey? Do you have the skills and enthusiasm to create a positive, playful environment that supports emotional and physical recovery? If so, we want you to join our expandingPlay Team at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust!About UsOur Play Service is integral to the holistic care we provide for children and young people aged 0-17 years across two sites. We strive to create an environment where play is not just an activity but a vital component of healthcare, supporting developmental, therapeutic and recovery needs.With recent developments in our Trust, we are placing an even stronger emphasis on play as an essential part of a child\’s care journey.Why Join Us?Be part of a passionate team that puts children\’s well-being at the heart of everything we do.Work in an environment where your skills are valued and your contributions make a real impact.Help shape the future of play as an essential part of care within our Trust.Apply Now!If you\’re ready to bring your skills and passion for play to our team, we\’d love to hear from you. Make a difference in a child\’s hospital journey–apply today!Together, we can transform care through play.Main duties of the jobThe OpportunityWe are looking for enthusiastic and registered Healthcare Play Specialists to join our team. You\’ll play a pivotal role in using evidence-based practice to assess, plan, and deliver therapeutic play interventions tailored to individual needs.What We\’re Looking ForA Healthcare Play Specialism qualification (Foundation Degree or equivalent).Registration as a Healthcare Play Specialist.Proven experience working with children in a healthcare setting.Strong communication, time management, and leadership skills.Ability to work both independently and as part of a team across sitesWhat You\’ll BringYour creativity, compassion, and expertise will help bridge the gap between hospital and home, creating a positive and memorable experience for children and their families.As a qualified and registered Play Specialist, you will:Work collaboratively within the Play Team and the wider multidisciplinary team.Use therapeutic and developmental play techniques to meet the emotional, physical, and social needs of children and young people.Support families in engaging with their child\’s play and recovery journey.Facilitate distraction and preparation techniques for invasive or painful procedures.Develop individual play programs for long-term or specific needs patients.Act as an advocate for the importance of play within the hospital setting, showcasing its value to the wider healthcare team.About usPriority will be given to colleagues identified as at risk through the Trust\’s redeployment process.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesPlease refer to the attached job description for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, and expectations.Person SpecificationEducation/Knowledge and QualificationsEssentialRegistered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism, Edexcel /BTEC in specialised play for sick child or the previous HPSC/HPSEB or international equivalentKnowledge of recent, relevant health policy & guidance and NAHPS Guidelines for Professional PracticeKnowledge of professional and ethical issues including professional boundaries, clinical governance and safeguarding children policies and practiceKnowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child developmentExperienceEssentialExperience of working with children and/or young people and their families in a health care settingExperience of effective working as a team member within an MDTExperience of working with children and/or young people with special needs including those with neurodiversity or challenging behavioursExperience leading play/recreation activities for babies, children and/or young peopleSkills and AbilitiesEssentialUp to date registration with HPSETDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please seeNHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameNorth West Anglia NHS Foundation TrustAddressPeterborough City HospitalBretton GatePeterboroughPE3 9GZEmployer\’s websitehttps://www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab) #J-18808-Ljbffr