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Job requirements
Essential
17 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Experience of working with babies, children and young people in healthcare or paediatric setting
- Experience
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience
Ability to use therapeutic play techniques to prepare and support children undergoing investigations, treatments, and procedures.
- Experience
Ability to support children with additional needs, learning disabilities, or complex health conditions.
- Experience
Knowledge of child development and the emotional, psychological, and social needs of children and young people.
- Skills and Aptitudes
A full understanding and ability to apply preparation, distraction therapy and post procedure play skills
- Skills and Aptitudes
Basic knowledge of safeguarding policies and relevant health legislation
- Skills and Aptitudes
Ability to communicate effectively with patients/families and staff
- Skills and Aptitudes
Good organisational, time management, IT and record-keeping skills
- Royal Free World Class Values
Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
- Personal Qualities and Attributes
Enthusiastic and motivated.
- Personal Qualities and Attributes
Good interpersonal skills.
- Personal Qualities and Attributes
Professional approach to work.
- Personal Qualities and Attributes
Accountability – Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working.
- Personal Qualities and Attributes
Openness – Shares information and good practice appropriately.
- Personal Qualities and Attributes
Mutual respect – Treats others with courtesy and respect.
- Education and Professional Qualifications
Registered qualified Hospital Play Specialist holding the Foundation degree in Healthcare Play Specialism or Edexcel
Desirable
2 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Skills and Aptitudes
Knowledge of HPS, professional code of conduct and its application in practice
- Education and Professional Qualifications
Membership of SoHPS Professional Body
Job overview
We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and enthusiastic candidate to the role of Health Play Specialist within our Acute Play Services team, part of our Babies, Children's, & Young People Division.
This role is based at our North Middlesex University Health Unit and is offered at full time, working Monday - Friday working on our Play Services roster, and this role will include some weekend working.
The postholder will work across all areas of the health unit, including but not limited to, our:
- T2 Rainbow Ward
- Paediatric Assessment Unit
- Ocean Day Unit
- Children's Outpatient Department
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Liaison Team
Please note:
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Main duties of the job
To provide and participate in the design and delivery of play/recreation activities for all children and young people attending the Trust from birth up to the age of eighteen, in accordance with their medical condition, cultural and individual needs.
To liaise with the senior play specialist and other members of the multidisciplinary team to enhance the emotional wellbeing of the child or young person and their families throughout their hospital stay To provide play and use distraction techniques for children attending areas of the hospital outside the Women and Children directorate. Help families to celebrate key events & milestones. Be part of a friendly, thriving team of play specialists, play workers & volunteers. Children's health & wellbeing is at our core & your contribution will make a real impact within a team who value play.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
A full list of duties and responsibilities will be found within the job description and requirements for the role can be found within the person specification.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 4 Health Play Specialist with Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in London, England. It is listed as a Play specialist role. The advertised salary is £33262.00 to £36027.00. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 20 Oct 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (06 Oct 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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