Play Specialist

Make a Difference Through the Power of Play!

Are you passionate about helping children feel safe, supported and confident during their time in hospital? Do you believe in the power of play to comfort, reassure and help children thrive, even in challenging circumstances?

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Play Specialist to join our team and make a meaningful difference to the experiences of children and their families throughout their hospital journey.

Previous applicants need not to apply.

• Reducing Anxiety and Stress:
  Through play, they help children express their feelings, understand their experiences, and alleviate fear or anxiety related to medical treatments or hospitalisation
• Distraction and Comfort:
  During medical procedures, they engage children in play or activities that distract them from pain or discomfort, making the experience less frightening.
• Promoting Development:
  Play specialists provide age-appropriate activities to encourage cognitive, emotional, and physical development, even in hospital environments.
• Education and Preparation:
  They prepare children for medical treatments by using dolls, toys, or drawings to explain what's going to happen in a way the child can understand. This helps demystify the process and reduces fear.
• Emotional Expression:
  Play is a natural way for children to express their emotions. Play specialists use therapeutic play to allow children to process and express feelings like fear, anger, or confusion.
• Family Support:
  They also offer guidance and support to parents and caregivers, helping them understand their child’s emotional needs and providing strategies to support their child during stressful times.

This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract.

At Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

As a Disability Confident Employer and recipient of the Gold Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers within the NHS.

We also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance. By supporting flexible working arrangements wherever possible, we enable our colleagues to balance their professional and personal commitments while continuing to deliver outstanding care to our patients. Whether flexibility means adjusted hours, part-time working, hybrid arrangements or alternative working patterns, we work in partnership with our staff to meet both individual and service needs.

Whether you're at the start of your career or looking for your next challenge, Frimley Health offers the opportunity to be part of a inclusive, forward-thinking organisation that is committed to excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare and make a real difference to the lives of the communities we serve.

For further information regarding the detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents.

Essential criteria

• Level Four Diploma in specialized play for sick children and Young peoplee/EDEXCEL Cert in hospital play specialism/HPSC/HPSEB Or Foundation degree in health care play specialism.
• GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English.

Essential criteria

• Experience…