Child Health Play Specialist in Southampton

Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for the detailed job description of the role.

We’re looking for a passionate, creative and highly motivated Hospital Play Specialist to join our dedicated team at UHS. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families during their hospital journey. In this role, you’ll be at the centre of creating positive, meaningful experiences for children across the entire children’s hospital. Working closely with our multidisciplinary team, you’ll use specialised play techniques to support children through procedures, reduce anxiety, and help them feel safe, understood and empowered. You’ll bring warmth, imagination and confidence to every interaction — whether you’re leading engaging distraction activities during treatments, transforming clinical spaces into welcoming child‑friendly environments, or supporting families as they navigate challenging moments. Your ability to connect with children and young people of all ages will be key to helping them feel at ease and in control. As a valued member of our team, you’ll also play an active role in mentoring and supporting colleagues, helping to shape a vibrant, collaborative and child‑centred play service. If you’re enthusiastic, flexible, and committed to delivering exceptional care through therapeutic play, we’d love to hear from you.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations. Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We are committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. We champion individuality and are dedicated to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Responsibilities

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• To manage and maintain a child-focused environment where play occurs naturally.
• To use theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play interventions in hospital and in the community.
• To promote an awareness of the emotional needs of children in hospital and the importance of play within the multi-disciplinary team.
• To plan and implement individual therapeutic play programmes including preparation for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy and post-procedural play.

Experience And Skills Needed

Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Health Care Play. Registered with the Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS) and previously HPSET and NAHPS. Experience of working with children and/or young people and their families in a health care setting.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications Training Required

Essential criteria

• Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism or Level 4 Diploma in Specialised Play for Children and Young People / Edexcel Certificate in Hospital Play Specialism or HPSC/HPSEB
• Registration with HPSET
• Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development (up to date professional portfolio)

Desirable criteria

• Additional training relevant to role
• Membership of Professional Body (NAHPS or CLC)

Previous or Relevant Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of working with children and young people in a hospital/clinical setting.
• Good organisational and time management skills, able to work on own initiative.
• Experience of working effectively in a team.
• Ability to communicate and work with parents and/or families under stress and in crisis.
• Knowledge of current best practice.
• Experience of supporting students.
• Ability to work with individuals and groups of children/young people.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply therapeutic interventions for children and young people experiencing difficulties with hospitalisation, treatment and chronic illness.
• Ability to plan and coordinate therapeutic input.
• Theoretical knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development.
• Knowledge of professional code of conduct and its application in practice.
• Basic knowledge of health legislation and NAHPS guidelines for professional practice.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working with children and young people with long-term health conditions and their families.
• Experience of working with children and young people with additional needs including those with challenging behaviours.
• Experience with family-centred work