Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
(**) Paediatric Health Play Specialist
The closing date is 29 October 2026
The Health Play Specialist is a qualified professional with expert knowledge and experience of using play to support babies, children, and young people, both well and unwell. They are a fully integrated member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team and play a vital role in supporting children, young people, and their families throughout their healthcare journey.
The post holder will work as part of the Play Team within the Paediatric Department, while also working independently and using their own initiative, organisation, leadership, and time-management skills.
Main duties of the job
The Healthcare Play Specialist will provide developmental, therapeutic, and specialised play interventions for babies, children, and young people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. These interventions aim to meet emotional, social, and developmental needs, reduce anxiety, and help alleviate emotional trauma experienced by children, young people, and their families. The role supports positive coping and helps bridge the gap between hospital and home, contributing to a positive patient experience.
The post holder will plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging, age-appropriate, and stimulating play programmes for babies, children, young people, and their families. They will advocate for the importance and impact of therapeutic play and promote this within the multidisciplinary team, including students and learners.
The Health Play Specialist will work flexibly across all paediatric areas within the acute hospital and may occasionally be required to work in other clinical areas. They will also contribute to Play Service projects, service development, and quality improvement initiatives.
The post holder must be a registered and qualified Health Play Specialist, holding a Foundation Degree in Health Play Specialism (or equivalent) and maintaining professional registration in line with national standards.
About us
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.
Job responsibilities
Please be aware that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a suitable number of applications.
Unfortunately, there is no Visa Sponsorship available for this role. Whilst we are able to employ candidates on a graduate Visa, we are unable to offer sponsorship once the graduate visa expires. for some roles i.e. roles for band 2 to 4, inclusive.
Person Specification
Experience
- Experience working with babies, children and young people
Qualifications
- BTEC or Equivalent in Hospital Play
Registration
- SoHPS Registration
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.
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
£28,392 a yearPer Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
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(*) Paediatric Health Play Specialist in Chelmsford employer: VerseOne Group
VerseOne Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the healthcare technology sector. With hybrid working arrangements and a focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact while developing your career in a leading AI-powered Digital Experience Solutions provider for the NHS.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land (*) Paediatric Health Play Specialist in Chelmsford
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like VerseOne Group often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at VerseOne Group
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at VerseOne Group. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at VerseOne Group.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at VerseOne Group.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at VerseOne Group.
