Health Play Specialist

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University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Health Play Specialist

The closing date is 11 November 2026

Apply for this job

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen at UCLH for a qualified Health Play Specialist orsecond year Apprentice/student on the Health Play Specialist course, looking togain more experience within our highly respected team.This is a part-time post working at the Royal National ENT and Eastman DentalHospital (ENTED). We are looking for someone who is committed to the delivery ofcompassionate high-quality care and has the skills to implement specialisedplay and preparation to support children, young people and theirfamilies undergoing treatment in a busy hospital environment.This person needs to be autonomous, and also able to work effectively within alarge team of health play specialists and other members of the multi-disciplinaryteam. The ideal candidate will be passionate and committed to effectively meetingthe needs of paediatric patients and their families, as well as promoting the playservice work throughout ENTED.The successful candidate will implement specialised play interventions across bothinpatient and outpatient settings. You will need to be able to engage easily withchildren and young people, be able to work effectively with your multi-disciplinaryteam colleagues and use therapeutic play techniques creatively throughout thesetting.

Main duties of the job

To plan, implement and evaluate interventions to achieve therapeuticgoals, in collaboration with the referrer, the child/young person and theirfamily, managing own caseload and demonstrating effective timemanagement.Through play provisions, contribute to clinical judgements based on thepatient's individual needs.

Assess, plan, implement and evaluate recreational and therapeutic playinterventions, including preparation, distraction therapy and post proceduraltechniques for invasive and non-invasive procedures.Contribute to establishing and maintaining systems to provide patients with a smooth transition between hospital departments.To work independently to meet the needs of children and young people aswell as part of the MDT.

Provide and maintain a safe, welcoming and age appropriate environment where play and recreation can occur naturally.To select and apply therapeutic techniques to help children, young people and young adults overcome difficulties with hospital admission/procedures.

To contribute to assessments and overall care planning using knowledgeof child and adolescent development and incorporating an understandingof child/vulnerable adult protection issues.

About us

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

• University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)

• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals

• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building

• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine

• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre

• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases

• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological,gastrointestinaland oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclearmedicineandpathology.

Weare committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Details

Date posted

28 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£34,186 to £37,389 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS, pro-rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

309-UCLH-7644-C

Job locations

Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, UCLH

47-49 Huntley Street

London

WC1E 6DG

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Responsibilities will include supporting hospitalised children and young people leading alternative focus activities during procedures, therapeutic playpreparation, creating an age-appropriate welcoming environment throughout the area and helping patients and families manage anxiety effectively.

You will need to have experience of working with children and young people in a healthcare setting and be able to deal sensitively with families under stress. You will work as part of a supportive team where play and recreation is valued and respected as an integrated part of young peoples treatment and your contribution to the patients pathway will be highly respected. The play service team consists of 35 experienced staff, lead by a play services manager who will actively support your professional development.

The post holder will need to be able to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the service. The FdA in Healthcare Play Specialism, Edex PDC/HND in Specialised play for the sick child or the previous HPSC/HPSEB, or international equivalent, is required forthis post.We welcome applications from individuals who are currently completingthe FDA Healthcare Play Specialism and are in their second year. Ifsuccessful, the trainee will be paid in accordance with annex 21 of NHSTerms and Conditions (75% of maximum of Band 4) for the period leadingup until they are qualified

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*

* UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit: Flexible working.

To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?

We welcome applications from individuals who are currently completingthe FDA Healthcare Play Specialism and are in their second year. Ifsuccessful, the trainee will be paid in accordance with annex 21 of NHSTerms and Conditions (75% of maximum of Band 4) for the period leadingup until they are qualified.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Responsibilities will include supporting hospitalised children and young people leading alternative focus activities during procedures, therapeutic playpreparation, creating an age-appropriate welcoming environment throughout the area and helping patients and families manage anxiety effectively.

You will need to have experience of working with children and young people in a healthcare setting and be able to deal sensitively with families under stress. You will work as part of a supportive team where play and recreation is valued and respected as an integrated part of young peoples treatment and your contribution to the patients pathway will be highly respected. The play service team consists of 35 experienced staff, lead by a play services manager who will actively support your professional development.

The post holder will need to be able to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the service. The FdA in Healthcare Play Specialism, Edex PDC/HND in Specialised play for the sick child or the previous HPSC/HPSEB, or international equivalent, is required forthis post.We welcome applications from individuals who are currently completingthe FDA Healthcare Play Specialism and are in their second year. Ifsuccessful, the trainee will be paid in accordance with annex 21 of NHSTerms and Conditions (75% of maximum of Band 4) for the period leadingup until they are qualified

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*

* UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit: Flexible working.

To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?

We welcome applications from individuals who are currently completingthe FDA Healthcare Play Specialism and are in their second year. Ifsuccessful, the trainee will be paid in accordance with annex 21 of NHSTerms and Conditions (75% of maximum of Band 4) for the period leadingup until they are qualified.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential

• Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Health Care Play Specialism or previous HPSC/HPSEB, Edexcel PDC/HND in Hospital Play Specialism or oversees equivalent, or working towards above qualification, and due to complete/receive registration pin in the next 12 months.
• Knowledge of and ability to analyse professional and ethical issues, including professional boundaries, clinical governance and safeguardingchildrenpolicies and practice.
• Applied knowledge of recent health policy & guidance and NAHPS Guidelines for professional Practice.

Desirable

• NNEB/ NVQ Level 3 or equivalent training involving normal child care and development.
• Bachelor's Degree (or overseas equivalent) in a subject relevant to work with children and/or young people.

Experience

Essential

• Post qualifying and recent, comprehensive experience of working with children and/or young people in a health care setting, in a variety of clinical areas and/or vast experience in specialised field.
• Experience of providing family centred care and working with the extended family.
• Comprehensive experience of leading play/recreation activities for babies, children and/or young people.
• Previous experience of applying presentation skills through formal and/or informal teaching of students and staff.

Desirable

• Experience of working with children and/or young people with special needs including those with challenging behaviours.
• Experience of supporting, teaching, training, assessing and supervising junior staff, students and/or volunteers.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Able to communicate effectively with patients, families and staff, in written, verbal and nonverbal forms.
• Ability to work independently, manage own workload and determine priorities under pressure.
• Ability to work as an individual as well as within a team, effectively and efficiently.

Desirable

• Basic competency using Word and Excel.

Other Requirements

Essential

• Able to work flexible hours and weekends according to needs of clinical area.
• Up to date registration with HPSET.
• Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Desirable

• Membership of NAHPS Professional Body.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential

• Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Health Care Play Specialism or previous HPSC/HPSEB, Edexcel PDC/HND in Hospital Play Specialism or oversees equivalent, or working towards above qualification, and due to complete/receive registration pin in the next 12 months.
• Knowledge of and ability to analyse professional and ethical issues, including professional boundaries, clinical governance and safeguardingchildrenpolicies and practice.
• Applied knowledge of recent health policy & guidance and NAHPS Guidelines for professional Practice.

Desirable

• NNEB/ NVQ Level 3 or equivalent training involving normal child care and development.
• Bachelor's Degree (or overseas equivalent) in a subject relevant to work with children and/or young people.

Experience

Essential

• Post qualifying and recent, comprehensive experience of working with children and/or young people in a health care setting, in a variety of clinical areas and/or vast experience in specialised field.
• Experience of providing family centred care and working with the extended family.
• Comprehensive experience of leading play/recreation activities for babies, children and/or young people.
• Previous experience of applying presentation skills through formal and/or informal teaching of students and staff.

Desirable

• Experience of working with children and/or young people with special needs including those with challenging behaviours.
• Experience of supporting, teaching, training, assessing and supervising junior staff, students and/or volunteers.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Able to communicate effectively with patients, families and staff, in written, verbal and nonverbal forms.
• Ability to work independently, manage own workload and determine priorities under pressure.
• Ability to work as an individual as well as within a team, effectively and efficiently.

Desirable

• Basic competency using Word and Excel.

Other Requirements

Essential

• Able to work flexible hours and weekends according to needs of clinical area.
• Up to date registration with HPSET.
• Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Desirable

• Membership of NAHPS Professional Body.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, UCLH

47-49 Huntley Street

London

WC1E 6DG

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, UCLH

47-49 Huntley Street

London

WC1E 6DG

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Deputy Play and Youth Services Manager

Katie Tyler

[email protected]

Details

Date posted

28 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£34,186 to £37,389 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS, pro-rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

309-UCLH-7644-C

Job locations

Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, UCLH

47-49 Huntley Street

London

WC1E 6DG

United Kingdom

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