At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Play Service team and enhance patient care for children in a hospital setting.
- Company: Join the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, serving over 600,000 people in North London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, part-time hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in improving children's hospital experiences while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Health Play Specialist with experience in healthcare and child protection.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role ending on October 31, 2025, with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 42939 - 50697 £ per year.
Main area: Play Specialist Grade NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract: Fixed term: 10 months (Fix Term End Date 31st October 2025)
Hours: Part time – 30 hours per week (8am – 6pm)
Job ref: 393-NMUH-2156
Employer: Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: North Middlesex University Hospital
Town: London
Salary: £42,939 – £50,697 Pro Rata per annum inclusive of HCAs
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 12/03/2025 23:59
NHS AfC: Band 6
The North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust is a medium-sized acute and community trust with over 525 beds and over 600 community staff, serving more than 600,000 people living across Enfield and Haringey and the surrounding areas, including Barnet and Waltham Forest.
Job overview
Job Title: Play Service Team Leader
Fixed Term End Date: 31st October 2025
The job purpose is:
- Be responsible for the management of staff within the Play Service.
- Take an active role in improving care pathways for patients and their families within their hospital journey.
- Work as an advanced practitioner in clinical areas.
- Participate in the assessment, planning, development and evaluation of play services.
- Provide leadership to junior staff through role modelling, teaching and management.
- Supervise HPS and degree level students on practice placement.
- Provide support to children seen outside of paediatric settings and 16 – 18 yrs. old admitted onto adult wards.
- Actively work to improve the safety and quality of services for children.
Main duties of the job
Being an accountable professional, the post holder’s key areas of work will be:
- To support the Play Services to ensure high quality care is provided throughout the service.
- To manage a caseload of patients, providing advanced therapeutic play interventions.
- To liaise with all members of the MDT and other healthcare agencies.
- To work collaboratively with the Oasis Youth service.
- To ensure the Play Team provides a welcoming, safe, and secure environment.
- To increase awareness of the play team’s work.
- To provide leadership and support to the Play Team.
Person specification
Knowledge & Qualifications
- Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding relevant qualifications.
- Further training in child protection.
- Management training modules.
- Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
- Comprehensive knowledge of therapeutic assessments and interventions.
- Specialist knowledge of the effects of hospitalisation on children.
Experience
- Extensive experience working with children in a health care setting.
- Project leadership experience.
- Experience of supporting, teaching, and supervising students.
- Management of junior staff.
- Experience of working with children with special needs.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
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Play Service Team Leader employer: transformationunit
Contact Detail:
transformationunit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Service Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific needs and challenges faced by children in healthcare settings. Understanding these nuances will help you demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous leadership roles or experiences where you've successfully managed a team. Be ready to discuss how you can apply those skills to lead the Play Service Team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the NHS, especially those involved in pediatric care. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to improving care pathways for patients and their families. Think of specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to enhance service quality.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Service Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Play Service Team Leader position. Understand the responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your extensive experience working with children in healthcare settings, project leadership, and any management roles you've held. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to clearly list your qualifications, including your Health Play Specialist certification and any additional training in child protection or management. This is crucial for demonstrating your suitability for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter that explains why you are passionate about the role and how your skills align with the goals of the Play Service. Mention your commitment to improving care pathways for patients and their families.
How to prepare for a job interview at transformationunit
✨Showcase Your Experience with Children
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience working with children in healthcare settings. Share specific examples of how you've managed caseloads and provided therapeutic play interventions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Play Service Team Leader, you'll need to provide leadership and support to your team. Be prepared to discuss your project leadership experience and how you've successfully managed and supervised junior staff.
✨Discuss Collaborative Work
Collaboration is key in this role. Talk about your experience liaising with multidisciplinary teams and other healthcare agencies, and how you can contribute to improving care pathways for patients and their families.
✨Prepare for Clinical Scenarios
Since the role involves advanced therapeutic play interventions, be ready to discuss specific clinical scenarios. Think about how you would assess, plan, and evaluate play services in various situations.