Skilled Children’s Play and Health Care Worker in Salford

Do you believe every child deserves to play, laugh, and feel joy — even when life is complex? Do you bring energy, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose to your work? Can you think on your feet, stay calm under pressure, and connect deeply with others?

This role has a specific working pattern, and applicants must be able to commit to all of the following shifts on an ongoing basis: Total: 19 contracted hours per week. Applicants must be able to commit to the full working pattern, including the early morning weekday shifts and Sunday working.

As a Skilled Children’s Play and Health Care Worker, you will deliver high-quality, compassionate care for children and young people aged 0–19 with moderate to complex health and developmental needs. You’ll combine personal care, play-based learning, and emotional support to help every child thrive. You will also act as a role model and mentor for Band 1 carers, supporting their growth and contributing to the continuous improvement of care quality and family experience. This role isn’t about ticking care plans — it’s about creating moments that matter.

What You’ll do:

• Provide high-quality personal and play-based care to children with moderate to complex needs.
• Use play to promote learning, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
• Support and mentor Band 1 carers to build competence and confidence.
• Build trusted, professional relationships with families and colleagues.
• Maintain accurate and timely care notes and reports.
• Attend regular training, supervisions, and team meetings.
• Follow care plans and represent Lagan’s Foundation positively at all times.

What Makes You a Good Fit?

We hire people, not just qualifications. We’re looking for individuals who naturally live our five values:

• Passion – You care deeply about helping children thrive.
• Resilience – You can handle emotional situations with strength and grace and show up for the family and your colleagues.
• Integrity – You do the right thing, even when no one is watching and raise concerns if required.
• Good Communication – You listen well, speak kindly, and work as part of a team.
• Empathy – You truly understand and connect with the children and families you support.

In addition, you’ll need:

• 12 months + experience working with children or young people, ideally in health, care, or play-based settings.
• Experience supporting children with PEG feeding, oxygen therapy, or epilepsy care.
• Confidence to work independently and as part of a team.
• A Level 2 Health & Social Care qualification (or be working towards it).
• A full UK driving licence and own vehicle (with business use insurance).
• A clear Enhanced DBS (Child & Adult Workforce).

Progression Pathway

Gain additional skills and competencies to advance to Senior Carer (Level 1 – Band 2) or Advanced Carer (Level 3 – Band 3). Continue development through formal qualifications (Level 3 Health & Social Care) and mentoring. Demonstrate reliability, clinical competence, and positive feedback from families and colleagues.

Why Join Us?

Because we are a family we take care of our own. Here’s what you’ll get in return:

• Pension scheme.
• Health Cash Plan (Hospital Saturday Fund) and Perkbox.
• Flexible benefits and salary sacrifice options.
• On-site parking where applicable.
• Ongoing training, professional development, and emotional support.

Be You, With Us

At Lagan’s Foundation, we welcome you — all of you. We embrace diversity, celebrate individuality, and support every team member to grow. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and we’re happy to talk about flexible working and any reasonable adjustments you may need.

Ready to Help Children Thrive Through Play?

If you want to bring light into the lives of children with complex needs, and you believe in the power of play, care, and connection — we want to hear from you.