# Health Play Specialist > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/health-play-specialist/83766c6f-dbe3-4381-af89-f8158f973269 - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/health-play-specialist/83766c6f-dbe3-4381-af89-f8158f973269.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - **Town:** Cambridge - **Region:** East of England - **Country:** England - **Profession:** Healthcare support worker - **Grade:** Band 5 - **Salary:** £32,073 - £39,043 per annum pro rata - **Contract type:** Permanent - **Employment type:** 34 hours per week (Part Time / Flexible working hours may be considered) - **Closing date:** 2026-06-14T23:59:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-06-05T13:03:53.110Z - **Source information URL:** https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/Cambridgeshire/Cambridge/Cambridge_University_Hospitals_NHS_Foundation_Trust/Paediatrics/Paediatrics-v8044225 - **Application URL:** https://apps.trac.jobs/job-advert/8044225?ShowJobAdvert=&feedid=9002 - **Employer website:** https://www.cuh.nhs.uk ## Job Content ### Job overview We are looking for two passionate Health Play Specialists to join our Paediatric Oncology/haematology Outpatient Unit. You will join a well-established, valued Play team who are proactive and determined in providing positive hospital experiences and quality intervention for children and families. A strong candidate will have excellent knowledge and skills of therapeutic and normalising play and have a great understanding of the impact of hospitalisation on the child and their families. You’ll have excellent communication skills and can work autonomously and with members of the multidisciplinary team. If you are enthusiastic and committed to providing exceptional care through normalising and therapeutic play then we would like to hear from you. You’ll hold an FdA in Healthcare Play Specialism or equivalent. A valid registration with the Society of Health Play Specialists is needed. Return to practice or year 2 of Health Play Specialism Fda/Apprenticeship applications are welcome. ### Main duties of the job The unit cares for children(0-16yrs) with Haematological or Oncological diagnosis, including general anaesthetic procedures as well as awake scans, consultations, tests and infusions including Chemotherapy You’ll be motivated to create positive experiences for patients in hospital. You’ll have referrals and use evidence-based practice to assess, plan and implement therapeutic interventions to reduce anxiety, supporting children and their families in hospital. You’ll encourage normal development and rehabilitation through your ability to connect with patients, providing appropriate play opportunities. You’ll work closely with other Play Specialists on the unit, recognising the emotional needs of children in hospital. The roles include supervising and mentoring students and working collaboratively with the wider play team to develop projects to enhance the service. You’ll be a motivated, creative thinker who wants to build on their skills and able to prioritise your workload. ### Detailed job description and main responsibilities Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities. Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have: -    applied for a Graduate visa -    or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment -    or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment This vacancy will close at midnight on 14th June 2026. Interviews are due to be held on 24th June 2026. Benefits to you At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff. On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH. CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times. Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces. ## Job Details We are looking for two passionate Health Play Specialists to join our Paediatric Oncology/haematology Outpatient Unit. You will join a well-established, valued Play team who are proactive and determined in providing positive hospital experiences and quality intervention for children and families. A strong candidate will have excellent knowledge and skills of therapeutic and normalising play and have a great understanding of the impact of hospitalisation on the child and their families. You’ll have excellent communication skills and can work autonomously and with members of the multidisciplinary team. If you are enthusiastic and committed to providing exceptional care through normalising and therapeutic play then we would like to hear from you. You’ll hold an FdA in Healthcare Play Specialism or equivalent. A valid registration with the Society of Health Play Specialists is needed. Return to practice or year 2 of Health Play Specialism Fda/Apprenticeship applications are welcome. ## Job Description The unit cares for children(0-16yrs) with Haematological or Oncological diagnosis, including general anaesthetic procedures as well as awake scans, consultations, tests and infusions including Chemotherapy You’ll be motivated to create positive experiences for patients in hospital. You’ll have referrals and use evidence-based practice to assess, plan and implement therapeutic interventions to reduce anxiety, supporting children and their families in hospital. You’ll encourage normal development and rehabilitation through your ability to connect with patients, providing appropriate play opportunities. You’ll work closely with other Play Specialists on the unit, recognising the emotional needs of children in hospital. The roles include supervising and mentoring students and working collaboratively with the wider play team to develop projects to enhance the service. You’ll be a motivated, creative thinker who wants to build on their skills and able to prioritise your workload. ## Responsibilities Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities. Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have: - applied for a Graduate visa - or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment - or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment This vacancy will close at midnight on 14th June 2026. Interviews are due to be held on 24th June 2026. Benefits to you At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff. On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH. CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times. Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces. ## Person Specification ### Skills **Essential** - Ability to work with individuals and groups of babies/children/young people. - Ability to deliver therapeutic play including play preparation, distraction and post procedural play for medical procedures using evidenced based techniques - Effective verbal and written communication skills. - Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance. - Ability to manage and prioritise own work load and work as part of a wider team. **Desirable** - Training and presentation skills - Word processing and internet research skills ### Knowledge **Essential** - Knowledge of the value of play for sick children and the effects of hospitalisation on children, young people and their families. - Demonstrated understanding of developmental, social and psychological needs of children/young people and their families incorporating special needs, cultures and diversities - Knowledge of SoHPS professional code of conduct and standards and application to practice. - Knowledge of Health and Safety, and risk management in practice including safeguarding procedures. **Desirable** - Basic Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance. ### Experience **Essential** - Can demonstrate autonomous working practices in current post - Evidence of experience of working with parents and extended families. - Evidence of experience of working with children/young people in a hospital setting. **Desirable** - Experience of working with children with special educational needs and/or mental health concerns. - Evidence of working in an acute care hospital setting with Children and young people. - Evidence of integrated working with a multi-professional team. - Experience of supporting students in previous positions. - NHS experience ### Qualifications **Essential** - Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism/Edexel Level 4 Professional Diploma in Specialist Play for Sick Children and Young People - Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) - Children’s Workforce, Cache, NNEB, BTec, NVQ or level 3 qualification in Early years / Childcare equivalent (See link) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68ff30e6baf1f8c92fb5fa07/Early_Years_Qualifications_achieved_in_the_UK_October_2025.xlsx - Current registration with SoHPS, or have discussed a plan or re-registration with SoHPS for return to practice. **Desirable** - Youth work or qualification - Counselling Diploma or equivalent ### Additional Requirements **Essential** - Commitment to patient/family-centred, non-discriminatory practice. - Be able to sensitively deal with the frequent challenges associated with social differences, parental and family anxiety and cultural diversity. - Documented evidence of continued professional development. - The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent. ## Documents - [applicant information pack (pdf, 520.3kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10332908) - [information for applicants - completing your application (pdf, 222.9kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10353217) ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.