Health Play Specialist-Paediatrics

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Health Play Specialist-Paediatrics The closing date is 25 August 2026 Apply for this job

Job summary

As the play specialist, you will help to provide high quality, holistic play service for all children, young people and their families within the Children's inpatient ward and outpatient area, enabling them to feel safe and at ease within the hospital environment.

Use play as a tool to communicate and build a rapport with children and young people whilst attending hospital which in turn will create a positive environment and patient journey.

You will provide interesting and stimulating play for children, young people and their families and highlight the importance of play in assistingan atraumatic experience and aiding distraction to all health professionals and students.

You will use your knowledge of child development; plan,initiateand supervise play activities for children in hospital,appropriate totheir age, development, medicalconditionand background,in order tomeet their social,emotionaland developmental play needs.

Main duties of the job If you are interested in striving to deliver excellence in paediatric care and working in a friendly and welcoming teamplease do contact us. We welcome a fun, enthusiastic & dedicated Healthcare Play Specialisttojoin our team.

To manage andbe responsible forthe assessment, implementation and the evaluation of play strategies which encompass the developmental and emotional needs of the children and their families and or carers within the hospital environment.

To applya high levelof understanding of the psychological effects of hospitalisation andlong-termchronic illness, providing training and advice to members of the multi-disciplinary team To carry out play activities on a one-to-one basis with a child and/or a group of children and their families and or carers Toobservefor the signs of anxiety in children at all times, and ifnecessary,report to paediatric nursing team.

To create an attractive child orientated environment that encourages play, and helps parents/carers and members of staff toparticipatein these activities Tobe responsible forensuring thata whole rangeof toys and equipment is available for clinic use, being age appropriate whilst alsomaintainingsafety and hygiene standards.

To have a working knowledge and be able to carry out diversionary techniques as isappropriate forthe child and procedure

About us

Listen to why colleagues think we are a great place to work! - BHT - A great place to work (buckshealthcare.nhs.uk) What does Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust offer you? As part of our BHT family, you'll benefit from learning and development opportunities to support your career progression.

We offer flexible and agile workingopportunities,alongside your NHS benefits ofgenerous annual leave entitlement, pension andaccess toNHS discount schemes. We provide a range of health and wellbeing services to promote a healthy, happy workforce. Why work for us?

We're committed to promoting inclusion and making sure all colleagues feel they belong. We encourage new colleagues from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply. As an employer, we aim to create a workplace where differences are valued and colleagues treat one another with dignity and respect.

Greater diversity withinourBHT familyimprovespositive outcomes for the people and communities we serve. A keen supporter of the Armed Forces Community who know the value of employing a service leaver/veteran and their families. What do we stand for?

Our vision is to provide outstanding care, support healthy communities and be a great place to work. Our mission is to provide personal and compassionate care every time. Our care values are collaborate, aspire, respect and enable.

Job description

Job

responsibilities

For a comprehensive list of responsibilities and duties, please kindly refer to the Job Description and Person Specification by downloading the JD and PS attachment in the advert. If you are an internal applicant there is the option for secondment, all applicants must have the endorsement/support of their line manager prior to application.

If you have a disability that makes submitting this online application difficult and would like assistance, please contact us on bht.recruitment@nhs.net quoting the vacancy reference number.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications & Training Essential B.T.E.C. Hospital Play Specialist Diploma or equivalent.

Desirable Additional training relevant to role Membership of Professional Body (NAPHPS or CLC) Child Protection training Other relevant child care training Special Circumstances Essential Able to work shift patterns which support the provision of a full play service Experience Essential Minimum of two years recent and relevant experience working with children or young people.

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge Essential Sound knowledge of health & safety issues in relation to maintaining a safe environment for children.

Sound knowledge of play and distraction techniques appropriate to children in hospital Sound knowledge of children's development and needs Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with all members of multi-disciplinary team and children of all ages and their families in English.

Ability to function effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with all members of multi-disciplinary team and children of all ages and their families in English. Ability to function effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Ability to write legible, accurate and concise reports in English. Ability to supervise students. Organised, punctual, self- motivated and positive approach to work.

Desirable Ability to teach others Sound knowledge of child protection responsibilities and procedures.

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 Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Address Stoke Mandeville Hospital Mandeville Road Aylesbury HP21 8AL United Kingdom Employer's website https://careers.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab) Employer contact details For questions about the job, contact: Sister-Ward 3 Paediatrics Annette Hedley annette.hedley2@nhs.net 01296315146 Details Date posted 11 August 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 434-SCS8134205 Job locations Stoke Mandeville Hospital Mandeville Road Aylesbury HP21 8AL United Kingdom Supporting documents Privacy notice Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)