Health Play Specialist
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
London, WC1N 3JH
Salary
£34,186 to £37,389
Contract
Fixed-Term
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
3 September 2026
3 days left
Job description
We work closely with all referring specialities, however the BMT patients remain under the care of the BMT service until there are no acute BMT relate...
- To undertake therapeutic assessments and devise play programmes for children and young people in hospital, according to their individual needs and as part of the overall care plan
- To plan and implement individual therapeutic play programmes to include preparation for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy and post procedural play.
- To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions using reflective practice to achieve best outcomes
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below
We are committed to recruiting the best person for the job through a fair, open and consistent process that is free from bias and discrimination.
We are working towards becoming an anti-racist organisation. This means creating a workplace where every colleague feels seen, heard and valued, and where racism in any form has no place. Our anti-racism commitment is backed by action through our Anti-Racism Statement and action plan, developed in collaboration with our REACH staff network.
We actively challenge discrimination, dismantle barriers and embed equity across all aspects of our workforce, including recruitment, progression and development. All applicants will receive equal consideration regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, health condition or employment history.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and LGBTQ+ community members. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Business Disability Forum, and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
Our staff networks, including REACH, PRIDE, ENABLED and Women's Networks, are active and executive supported. These employee-led networks play a vital role in shaping an inclusive culture at GOSH and are open to all colleagues.
Together, we are building a culture where inclusion is not optional - it is essential.
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential
- FdA Health Care Play Specialism. Previous equivalent qualification (HPSC/HPSEB) or Child Life Specialist
- Registered Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS) or Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
- Basic Secondary Education up to 5 GCSE' or beyond, including English and Maths
Desirable
- NVQ, CACHE, NNEB (level 3) in Child Care/Play Work or Diploma in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or Early Childhood Studies (BA)
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Theoretical knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development
- Knowledge of current best practice
- Knowledge of the value of play for sick children
- Knowledge of effects of hospitalization on children, young people and their families
- Basic knowledge of health legislation and SoHPS guidelines for professional practice
- Knowledge of confidentiality
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of the principles of clinical governance
- Knowledge of professional code of conduct and its application in practice
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to work with and provide creative activities to individual and groups of children/adolescents
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Good organisation skills
- A full understanding and ability to plan and apply play preparation, distraction therapy and post procedural play
- Ability to reflect and adhere to profession boundaries of the role, referring on to line manager where necessary
- Ability to be flexible, exchange and learn new ideas as part of your team
- Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance
- Health, safety, and risk awareness
- Documentation skills
Desirable
- Presentation Skills
- IT Skills
Our Always values
Essential
- Our Always values
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
21 August 2026
Last checked
25 August 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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